THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


BY 


PUTNAM  P.   BISHOP. 


NEW  YORK: 
SHELDON    &    COMPANY, 

335  BROADWAY  (COK.  OF  WORTH  ST.). 

1864. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  In  the  year  18&i, 
BY  SHELDON  &  COMPANY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New  York. 


G.    A.    ALVOKD,    STEREOTYPES. 


PS 
\oc\£\ 


TO   HON.   JESSE   P.   BISHOP. 


I  HAVE  written  this  poem  because  of  my  belief  that, 
in  times  like  these,  an  American  citizen  should  bring  all 
his  faculties  to  the  support  of  his  Government.  The  rule 
that,  as  Poetry  is  a  Fine  Art,  a  poem  must  be  an  end 
unto  itself,  and  be  distinguished  from  an  oration  in  hav 
ing  no  outward  end,  I  have  ventured  to  disregard.  My 
aim  has  been  precisely  the  same  that  I  should  have 
maintained  had  I  been  composing  an  oration.  Indeed, 
each  of  the  two  parts  was  written  with  a  view  to  its  pub 
lic  recitation.  This,  together  with  the  fact  that  Part  I. 
was  completed  before  the  occurrence  of  the  events 
related  in  Part  II.,  must  account  for  the  unsymmetrical 
arrangement  of  topics.  The  poem,  as  a  mere  work  of 
Art — as  an  end  instead  of  a  means — could  be  greatly 
improved  in  point  of  symmetry,  with  little  labor.  But 
I  have  thought  it  best,  upon  the  whole,  to  let  it  stand 
in  its  original  form. 

764038 


CONTENTS. 


Jirst. 
I. 

PAGE 

Fruits  of  Unworthiness — Former  Joys — Founders  of  the  Re 
public — Equality — Hopes 13 

n. 

The  Falsehood — Blindness — A  Resolve 16 

III. 
Aggression — Awakening — Rage 19 

IT. 

A  Conclave — Tancey — Toombs — Mallory — Floyd — Davis ...     21 

V. 
The  President  Elect — Intercessions 28 

VI. 
Difficulties 32 

.  vn. 

Fort  Sumter — Heroism , ..  35 


CONTENTS. 


VIIL 

The  Great  Uprising 39 

IX. 
Civil  War — Magnitude  of  the  Contest 42 

X. 
Bull  Run 44 

XL 

Sorrows 46 

xn. 

Victories — Hilton  Head — Mill  Spring — Fort  Henry — Fort 
Donelson — Pea  Ridge — New  Madrid — Shiloh — Roanoke 
— Newbern — New-Orleans 48 

xm. 

Army  of  the  Potomac — McClellan — Expectations — Strat 
egy — Peninsular  Campaign 53 

XIV. 

Pope's  Defence — South  Mountain — Antietam — Buell-^-Perry- 
ville — Rosecrans — Murfreesboro 58 

XV. 

Unveiling  of  Characters — Southern  Patriots — Foreign  Arti 
sans,  Merchants,  Lordlings,  and  Toadies — Copperheads ...  63 

XVI. 
Questions — Grounds  of  Hope — Reasons  for  Action 70 


CONTENTS. 


Stconfc. 


, 

PAGK 

July  Fourth  —  Independence  —  Danger  —  Trust  .............     75 

II. 
The  President's  Announcement  —  Field  of  Gettysburg  ......     78 

III. 
Battles  of  Gettysburg  .................................     83 

IV. 
Helena  —  Vicksburg  ....................................     93 

V. 
Port  Hudson  —  Charleston  —  Morgan's  Raid  —  New  York  Riots.     97 

VI. 
England  .............................................  101 

VII. 
France  —  Russia  .......................................   105 

VIII. 

Hostile  Forces  —  Love  of  Money  —  Cowardice  —  Impatience  — 
Narro  \v-Mindedness  —  Ultra-Conservatism  —  Party-Spirit  — 
Demagogism  .......................................  108 


10  CONTENTS. 

rx. 

PAGE 

Foolishness — Wisdom — Divine  Favor. 113 

X. 

Statesmen  —  Counsel  —  Fruits  of  Governmental  Justice — 
The  Great  Deliverance 116 

XL 
Republicanism 120 

xn. 

Vanity — Visions 125 


LIBERTY'S   ORDEAL. 


PART   FIRST. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


$art  first 
I. 

OF  man's  unworthiness  the  fatal  blight 
Is  felt  wherever  human  hopes  are  bright. 
Its  breath  assails  the  gifts  which  Heaven  bestows, 
And  they  are  changed  to  springs  of  direst  woes. 
The  boons  heroic  men  have  died  to  place 
Among  the  fixed  possessions  of  their  race, 
Through  madd'ning  of  that  bane,  are  cast  away ; 
Then  Night  attempts,  once  more,  the  throne  of  Day, 
And,  if  the  usurpation  is  withstood, 
The  cost  is  measureless  in  groans  and  blood. 

With  what  delight  our  minds,  but  lately,  fed 
Upon  the  blessings  which  our  land  o'erspread  1 
We  saw  a  heritage  of  priceless  worth 
In  those  great  deeds  which  gave  our  nation  birth. 


14  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

The  aims  far-reaching,  present  ends  above, 

The  wisdom,  the  self-sacrificing  love, 

By  which  our  chartered  liberties  were  gained, 

We  deemed  a  pledge  that  they  would  be  maintained. 

What  joy  was  ours,  reflecting  on  the  power 

In  which  America  had  grown  each  hour ! 

Her  rising  wealth,  her  people  multiplied, 

The  westward  flowing  of  her  human  tide, 

The  shadows  yielding  to  the  reaper's  gleam, 

And  howl  of  wolf  to  locomotive's  scream  ! 

We  saw  pervade  her  governmental  plan 
The  truth  of  man's  equality  with  man ; 
And,  when  we  sought  what  fruits  that  truth  could  yield, 
A  soul-entrancing  vision  was  revealed : 
Not  hundreds  lolling  on  a  lofty  seat, 
With  millions  crouching,  delving  at  their  feet, 
But  countless  citizens,  with  heads  erect, 
The  happy  throng  of  Liberty's  elect, 
Ascending,  side  by  side,  the  sacred  height 
Which  glows  all  gorgeously  in  wisdom's  light. 

And  then  we  saw,  with  hearts  still  more  elate, 
The  Church  of  Christ  unfettered  by  the  State. 
With  course  all  free,  the  truths  divinely  taught, 
By  their  intrinsic  force,  were  claiming  thought, 
And  in  the  lives  of  men,  from  hour  to  hour, 
Disclosing  more  and  more  their  saving  power. 
Not  now  a  thing  of  fashion,  form,  or  law, 
Religion  to  herself  restored  we  saw. 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAX.  15 

O,  we  believed  that,  in  our  native  land, 

These  springs  of  blessedness  would  still  expand, 

Till  every  Christian  people  of  the  earth 

Would  fitly  estimate  their  matchless  worth, 

Arid,  by  America's  attractive  force, 

Be  moved  to  follow  in  the  upward  course. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


II. 

BUT  Sin  was  pressing,  all  the  while,  a  lie, 
Albeit  there  was  a  God  of  truth  on  high. 
Before  the  minds  of  men  had  clearly  seen 
Of  Christian  rectitude  the  light  serene, 
America,  as  ah1  the  world,  received, 
And  in  a  dull,  unsearching  way,  believed 
The  most  atrocious  falsehood  ever  told, — 
That  God's  own  children  may  be  bought  with  gold ; 
And  when  in  full  effulgence  shone  the  light, 
Disclosing  all  the  majesty  of  Right, 
The  eyes  of  selfishness  with  piercing  pain 
Were  quickly  closed,  and  all  was  dark  again. 

Thus  spake  the  darkened  hearts :   "  What !  give  up  all 
This  wealth  in  flesh  and  blood,  which  ours  we  call, 
And  toil  ourselves  upon  our  spreading  lands, 
Or  pay  our  gold  for  toil  of  other  hands  ? 
No  more  to  look  upon  the  sable  throng, 
And  feel  that  all,  yes,  all  to  us  belong? 
It  cannot  be ;  and  now  we  say  to  God, 
A  single  stroke  of  His  avenging  rod, 
For  bondage  of  His  sons,  on  none  must  light^ 
For  we  intend  to  prove  that  bondage  right." 


LIBERTY'S  OEDEAL.  17 

They  thought  the  Holy  One  had  given  heed, 
And  rightfulness  of  hellish  wrong  decreed ; x 
For,  with  long-suffering  their  hearts  to  draw, 
He  still  delayed  to  execute  His  law. 
With  swelling  pride  they  saw  the  fertile  soil 
Respond  profusely  to  the  stolen  toil. 
The  fruits  of  sweat,  and  blood,  and  pains  untold 
Gave  place  to  ever-growing  heaps  of  gold. 
They  saw  their  blooming  fields  stretch  far  and  wide, 
And  their  immortal  beings  multiplied  ; 
And,  in  this  wickedly  attained  estate, 
Each  look  and  tone  said,  "  We  are  very  great." 

How  stalk  the  chiefs  of  this  enslaving  class, 
Their  hearts  of  flinty  rock,  their  brows  of  brass  ! 
What  measureless  contempt  on  all  they  throw 
Who  have  no  cow'ring  human  herds  to  show ! 
Who  ranks  with  such,  however  pale  his  face, 
Is  of  an  infinitely  lower  race. 

What  do  these  men  on  this  Republic's  soil, 
Which  proffers  manhood's  rights  to  honest  toil  ? 
The  name  "  Republic,"  they  salute  with  sneers, 
And  then  they  whisper  in  each  other's  ears : 
"  How  pitiful  the  folly  of  that  fool, 
Who  does  not  know  that  we  are  born  to  rule ! 
They  all  will  know  it  by  and  by,  but  whist ! 
These  thoughts  divulged  too  soon,  our  mark  is  missed. 
With  cunning  secrecy  our  way  we'll  feel, 
Avowing  loud  our  democratic  zeal, 


18  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

And  swearing  solemnly,  in  Heaven's  high  name, 
To  make  the  great  Republic's  weal  our  aim, 
Till  we  shall  gain  the  strength  to  overthrow 
This  cursed  Government,  that  lifts  the  low, 
And  in  our  own  supremacy  shall  stand, 
The  known,  acknowledged  masters  of  this  land, 
With  Slavery's  banner  waving  high  in  air, 
Respected,  feared,  and  lauded  everywhere." 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  19 


III. 

Too  well  those  arts  have  thrived,  for  guilt  so  black 
In  thickest  darkness  could  conceal  its  track; 
And  when  impunity  had  made  it  bold, 
And  more,  and  ever  more,  its  aims  were  told, — 
When  threats  were  made  to  work  the  nation's  death, 
They  counted  still  as  boastful,  empty  breath. 
'Twas  not  believed,  in  passion's  wildest  storm, 
That  devils  walked  the  earth  in  human  form. 
For  peace  good  men  were  willing  to  concede ; 
For  power  bad  men  to  each  demand  agreed ; 
And  thus  the  blood-stained  oligarchy  grew, 
And  pressed,  from  day  to  day,  exactions  new. 

At  length  America's  true  sons  awoke ; 
The  frightful  truth  upon  their  vision  broke; 
They  saw  with  steady  sweep  the  cloud  approach, 
And  Slavery's  gloom  on  Freedom's  light  encroach ; 
They  heard  their  fathers  calling  from  above, 
Conjuring  them,  by  all  that  patriots  love, 
With  peaceful  ballots  armed,  to  take  their  stand, 
And  save  from  tyranny  their  native  land. 


20  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

They  heard,  and  they  obeyed,  and  then  the  rage ! 
No  beasts  of  prey  escaping  from  their  cage, 
With  hunger  furious,  or  mad  with  pain, 
E'er  screamed,  and  howled,  and  whirled,  and  dashed 

amain, 

Like  Slavery's  lords  when  freemen  were  so  bold, 
And  dared  to  say,  with  quiet  firmness,  "  Hold !" 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  21 


IV. 

A  METHOD  in  their  madness  soon  was  seen. 
For  anger's  thorough  frankness  quite  too  mean, 
The  traitor-chiefs,  with  swift,  but  stealthy  tread, 
And  crouching  forms,  to  midnight  conclave  sped. 
Let  fancy  now,  as  hearers,  place  us  there, 
Of  words  ofttimes  repeated  otherwhere. 

When  all  the  doors  were  barred,  and  'twas  assured 
That  none  could  hear  save  men  by  treason  lured, 
While  from  his  eyes  the  gleams  of  cunning  broke, 
With  low,  yet  eager  utt'rance  Yancey  spoke : 
"The  hour  has  come,  the  hour  so  long  desired; 
The  Southern  heart  must  now  be  quickly  fired ; 
From  State  to  State  our  orators  must  rush, 
And  let  the  flames  of  madd'ning  passion  gush 
O'er  all  the  throngs  that,  startled  by  the  shock, 
To  learn  its  cause  will  frantically  flock. 

"  We'll  tell  them  all  their  rights  will  soon  be  gone ; 
That  now  destruction's  gulf  begins  to  yawn ; 
For,  in  their  victory,  the  Yankees  boast 
'Tis  their  intent  to  send  a  mighty  host 
Of  old  John  Browns,  to  set  the  negroes  free, 


22  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

While  maids  and  matrons  are  compelled  to  flee 

Through  forest  dark,  to  reptile-haunted  cave, 

Themselves  from  death,  or  worse  than  death,  to  save. 

Thanks  to  our  freedom  from  those  cursed  schools, 

So  crippling  to  the  managers  of  fools, 

We  easily  shall  full  belief  obtain, 

And  thus  the  end  of  our  aspirings  gain." 

Sly  winks  and  leers  commended  Yancey's  close, 
And  then  the  swarthy  bully,  Toombs,  arose. 
With  rocking  form  he  wore  a  drunken  scowl ; 
His  voice  now  seemed  a  grunt,  and  now  a  howl. 
"  That's  right,"  he  said ;  "  we'll  all  go  in  for  that; 
If  anybody  won't,  I'll  knock  him  flat. 
And  now,  Sirs,  I  will  tell  you  something  more : 
I'll  go  to-morrow,  on  the  Senate's  floor, 
And  tell  the  Yankees,  if  they  wish  to  find 
A  first-class  rebel,  body,  heart,  and  mind, 
I  am  the  man  they  seek.     0,  how  I  hate 
The  scamps  that  try  to  be  so  learned,  and  great, — 
The  men  we've  had  to  fawn  upon, — the  fools 
We've  been  obliged  to  -wheedle  into  tools  ! 

"  I  hate  the  whole  concern.     I  want  to  smash 
The  Government,  and  hear  the  falling  crash 
Of  every  pillar  that  supports  a  frame, 
Which  even  is  republican  in  name. 
To  think  that  all  must  vote,  and  read,  and  write, 
And  hold  their  heads  so  proudly  in  our  sight, 
And  talk  so  pompously  of  being  free, 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL.  23 

As  if  they  thought  themselves  as  good  as  we ! 
We've  had  to  bear  it,  but  we'll  show  them  now 
Their  rascal  necks  were  only  made  to  bow." 

As  reeled  the  bully,  foaming,  to  his  seat, 

The  fox-eyed  Mallory  was  on  his  feet : 

"  The  heart,"  said  he,  "  of  every  Southern  chief 

Must  have  a  foretaste  now  of  sweet  relief 

In  knowing  that  the  hour  is  near  at  hand, 

When  Slavery's  noble  champions  shall  stand 

In  their  exclusive  dignity  and  might, 

And  other  men  shall  cease  to  claim  the  right, 

As  equals,  on  their  footing  to  appear, 

Or  in  affairs  of  state  to  interfere. 

"  But  I  submit,  if  it  were  wisdom's  choice 
At  once  to  give  our  thoughts  and  wishes  voice. 
If  Southern  men  our  aims  too  soon  shall  know, 
That  knowledge  will  become  our  direst  foe, 
We  must  be  fitted  for  a  deadly  strife, 
Before  we  can  attempt  the  nation's  life  ; 
We  must  have  time  our  energies  to  wake, 
And  posture  for  the  serpent-spring  to  take ; 
And  still  the  Government,  Avith  greatest  care, 
Must  be  disabled  fitly  to  prepare. 

"  'Tis  plain,  the  only  way  of  safety  lies 
In  wearing  still  republican  disguise, 
And  still  remaining  at  our  posts  of  trust, 
The  requisite  machinery  to  adjust. 


24  LIBERTY'S  OEDEAL. 

The  Government  will  then  our  wages  pay 
While  her  foundation  stones  we  dig  away, 
And  all  the  people  of  the  North  will  think 
Secession  from  the  earth  about  to  slink  ; 
For  stupid  Puritans  will  ne'er  suspect 
That,  under  oath  to  keep,  obey,  protect 
The  Constitution  in  its  pristine  power, 
We're  swiftly  drawing  on  its  final  hour." 

Then  Secretary  Floyd,  with  sparkling  eyes, 
Which  told  how  fully  he  could  sympathize 
With  meanness,  forward  sprang,  and  thus  he  spoke : 
"  The  language  of  my  honored  friend  awoke 
Some  thoughts  and  some  conceptions  in  my  mind, 
Which  possibly  you  may  of  value  find. 
Since  I  control  the  military  force, 
And  weak  Buchanan  gives  my  will  free  course, 
What  soldiers  I'm  not  able  to  seduce, 
I  easily  can  make  of  little  use 
By  scatt'ring  them,  at  distant  points,  in  squads, 
To  fall  before  our  overwhelming  odds. 
The  arms  and  all  munitions  I  will  steal, 
And  in  the  arsenals  of  the  South  conceal. 

"  I'll  take  it,  too,  upon  myself  to  see 
That  Toucey's  conduct  shall  with  mine  agree ; 
The  ships  of  war  shall  all  be  sent  away, 
For  sailors  can't  be  trusted  to  betray. 
O,  yes ;  I'll  be  a  servant  good  and  true, 
And  teach  the  world  there  is  a  service  new  : 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  25 

While  paid  and  sworn  for  Union's  health  to  care, 
Her  vitals  from  their  fastenings  I'll  tear." 

Loud  cheers  were  heard,  and  still  some  faces  wore 
A  look  which  told  that  this  was  something  more 
Than  had  been  counted  on,  and  that  it  cost 
A  struggle  to  regard  as  virtues  lost 
The  honesty,  and  loyalty,  and  truth, 
Which  seemed  so  beautiful  to  joyous  youth. 

But  soon  each  voice  was  hushed,  and  fixed  each  eye ; 
For  now,  with  air  imperious  and  high, 
The  form  emaciate  of  DAVIS  rose. 
His  thin,  white  lips  were  set  in  firmest  close, 
And  rays,  as  of  a  soul-consuming  fire, 
Were  kindling  in  his  eyes  a  menace  dire. 
With  voice  sepulchral,  yet  made  strong  by  will, 
He  speaks  to  men  as  frozen  corpses  still. 

His  words  are  these :  "  So  far  as  they  extend, 
The  views  expressed  befit  our  lofty  end ; 
But  we  may  well  desire  to  know  at  first 
What  is  before  us,  and  expect  the  worst 
Too  low  an  estimate,  by  far,  you  make 
Of  what  'twill  cost  the  Union's  bond  to  break, 
And  make  the  people  of  the  South  content 
To  see  the  fondly  loved  connection  rent, — 
To  set  the  prayers  of  Washington  at  naught, 
And  spurn  the  flag  for  which  their  fathers  fought. 


26  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

"  Deception  can  do  much,  'tis  very  true ; 
And  we  must  daily  have  a  falsehood  new 
To  serve  as  fuel  for  their  passions'  flame, 
And  keep  concealed  our  own  exalted  aim. 
But  this  will  not  suffice ;  for  some  there  are 
Of  all  the  truths  which  we  deny  aware, 
And  firm  in  their  resolves  to  counterwork 
The  purposes  which  in  our  bosoms  lurk. 
For  these  there  must  be  force.     No  weakness  now ; 
Beneath  our  rule  their  stubborn  necks  must  bow; 
Or,  if  they  still  will  carry  them  so  high, 
Throughout  the  South  a  tree  is  always  nigh. 
Yes,  Gentlemen,  through  all  the  South's  domain, 
At  once  we  must  establish  Terror's  reign ; 
The  dungeon  and  the  hangman's  cord  shall  teach 
No  gospel  can  be  held  save  that  we  preach. 

"  'Twere  utter  senselessness  if  we  should  hope, 
Unaided,  with  the  Government  to  cope, 
And  win  success.     But  yet  we  shall  succeed ; 
For  be  assured  that  French  and  English  greed 
In  our  behalf  will  quickly  interpose, 
And  make  us  masters  of  our  Northern  foes. 
Those  nations  now  their  independence  sing, 
But  they  will  learn  that  Cotton  is  their  King. 
Besides,  all  haters  of  the  populace 
At  once  our  cause  will  eagerly  embrace. 
The  Great  Republic  is  the  horrid  thing 
Whose  fall  their  acme  of  delight  would  bring. 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL.  27 

"  And  other  allies  yet  we  shall  secure, 
Whose  aid  will  make  our  triumph  swift  and  sure : 
I  mean  that  Northern  toadies,  fools,  and  knaves, 
As  heretofore,  will  be  our  fawning  slaves. 
Then  let  us  quickly  to  our  work,  my  friends, 
With  all  the  zeal  which  high  ambition  lends ; 
Throw  superstitious  scruples  to  the  wind, 
And  do  and  dare  whate'er  we  needful  find." 

There  was  a  plausive  murmur,  but  no  word 
Of  farther  counsel ;  Davis  had  been  heard, 
And  'twas  enough.     The  traitors,  one  by  one, 
Began  to  move,  their  cloaks  and  hats  put  on, 
And  singly,  or  in  couples,  sneaked  away, 
To  set  their  hellish  enginery  in  play. 
As  Davis  went,  he  muttered  to  his  heart : 
"  These  senseless  villains  all  expect  a  part 
In  that  dominion  which  shall  proudly  rise 
On  ruins  of  the  Union  they  despise. 
Well,  let  them  feed  upon  the  hope  awhile, 
And  thus  their  hours  of  toil  for  me  beguile  ; 
But  soon  to  all  the  world  it  shall  be  known, 
That  all  the  power  is  mine,  and  mine  alone." 


28  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 


V. 

BE  traitorous  ambition  shut  from  view, 
And  trace  affections  of  another  hue. 
For  westward  from  Atlantic's  waves,  where  spread 
The  treeless  plains  which  lately  felt  the  tread 
Of  bison  herds,  as,  thundering  along, 
They  sought  a  shelter  from  the  red-skinned  throng, 
The  men  and  women  of  a  town  are  seen 
Around  a  man  of  unpretending  mien, 
Who  stands  in  attitude  to  bid  adieu 
To  friends,  long  known,  and  tried,  and  proven  true. 

This  man  is  of  the  people ;  from  his  youth, 
Attentive  ever  to  the  voice  of  truth, 
And  ever  prompt  in  act,  his  soul  has  wrought 
With  forces  from  his  country's  genius  caught. 
And  now  he  has  the  people's  high  command, 
To  take  his  post  as  chieftain  of  the  land, 
And  save  from  fearfulest  of  overthrows 
The  Government,  to  which  himself  he  owes. 
His  head  is  bowed ;  a  mighty  nation's  fate 
Oppresses  him  with  all  its  mountain  weight. 
And  yet  of  faltering  there  is  no  sign : 
His  brow  expresses  strength  in  every  line. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  29 

His  steady  gaze  bespeaks  a  soul  aware 
Of  peril  dire,  yet  braced  its  load  to  bear. 

He  speaks,  in  words  which  pure  affection  lends, 
Of  separation  from  his  trusted  friends, 
And  then,  in  tones  of  solemn  depth,  declares 
No  human  power  sufficient  for  the  cares 
Which  soon  on  him  shall  roll.     But  now  he  stops ; 
He  wrestles  with  his  heart ;  at  last  he  drops 
The  rein,  and  lets  the  strong  emotion  gush, 
And  all  its  tokens  to  his  visage  rush, 
While  earnestness  each  tearful  eye  distends, 
And  he  exclaims,  "  O,  pray  for  me,  my  friends !" 
"  We  will !  we  will !"  with  one  accord  they  cry ; 
"  O  God !  send  down  thy  Spirit  from  on  high, 
To  strengthen  with  Thy  might,  and  richly  bless, 
Thy  servant  in  his  work  of  righteousness." 

Nor  then,  nor  from  those  heaving  breasts  alone, 
Ascends  that  imploration  to  the  Throne  : 
A  thousand  ways  the  lightning  couriers  bear 
The  noble  words  of  Lincoln  through  the  air ; 
Now  click  the  types,  now  stand  in  solid  forms; 
The  wheezing  engines  move  their  pond'rous  arms, 
And  wildly  hurl  about  the  smoking  sheets  ; 
And  now  the  boys  are  shouting  through  the  streets ; 
And  now  a  million  eager  eyes  are  bent, 
To  search  the  President's  supreme  intent. 
O,  how  the  hearts  of  Christian  patriots  burn 
With  sudden,  rich  delight  as  they  discern 


30  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

That  he  would  stand  with  Jesus  in  accord, 
And  stay  himself  upon  Creation's  Lord. 
Their  hands  are  clasped ;  spontaneously  raise 
Their  thankful  hearts  the  sacrifice  of  praise. 

When  evening  wanes,  the  father  takes  the  Book, 
With  deep,  and  strange  emotion  in  his  look, 
And  reads,  in  tones  beyond  the  reach  of  art, 
The  promises  divine  which  fill  his  heart. 
Around  the  altar  of  the  home  they  kneel, 
And  blended  souls  present  a  joint  appeal. 
Most  fervently  they  pray  that  he,  who  goes 
To  stand  between  the  Union  and  her  foes, 
May  soon  prevail,  by  heavenly  power  upheld, 
By  love  to  God,  and  love  to  man  impelled. 
The  supplication  ended,  as  they  rise, 
The  light  of  confidence  illumes  all  eyes ; 
And,  when  they  singly  ask  for  nightly  care, 
Each  child  for  "  Mr.  Lincoln"  lisps  a  prayer. 

When  comes  the  sacred  day,  and  Christian  throngs 
Unite  before  the  Lord  their  thankful  songs, 
The  souls  of  Christ's  ambassadors,  in  prayer, 
Go  near  the  awful  Throne,  and  wrestle  there, 
That  marks  of  wrath  divine  may  not  descend ; 
That  God  a  pitying  regard  may  bend ; 
That  He  may  still  a  sinful  nation  spare ; 
That  He  may  still  vouchsafe  paternal  care ; 
That  He  may  now  enlighten  and  uphold, 
And  in  the  ways  of  righteousness  make  bold. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  31 

The  country's  chief,  who  knows  so  well  his  need 

Of  all  the  heavenly  aid  for  which  they  plead. 

As  from  ten  thousand  pulpits  to  the  skies, 

In  earnest  accents,  these  petitions  rise, 

A  million  agonizing  spirits  cry : 

"  Do  not,  O  God !  do  not  the  boon  deny !" 


32  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


VI. 

AH  !  true  indeed  was  that  which  Lincoln  said : 
"  I  cannot  hope  success  without  His  aid, 
Who  guided  and  who  strengthened  Washington ; 
Reliance  must  be  fixed  on  Him  alone." 
For  see !  on  every  side  is  Treason's  work; 
In  every  secret  nook  her  agents  lurk ; 
Her  poisonous  breath  has  blasted  faith  and  truth 
In  matron,  maiden,  veteran,  and  youth. 
Secessionists  are  poor  who  boast  but  lies ; 
They  must  be  perjured  if  they  hope  to  rise. 
Such  perjured  men  the  chiefs  of  State  surround, 
And  in  the  places  of  high  trust  are  found. 
Each  plan  devised  to  thwart  the  traitors'  aims, 
With  all  particulars  of  dates,  and  names, 
Is  speedily  to  traitor-chiefs  revealed, 
By  spies  beneath  official  oaths  concealed. 

The  cunning  schemes  the  Government  to  rob, 
Through  treachery  of  Toucey,  Floyd,  and  Cobb, 
And  their  base  underlings,  so  well  have  thrived, 
That  now  they  see  the  Government  deprived 
Of  power  to  raise  a  minatory  hand, 
Or  e'en  herself  with  steadiness  to  stand. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  33 

By  hundreds,  men  whom  she  has  reared,  and  taught 
How  battles  for  her  honor  should  be  fought, 
Are  stealing  through  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
For  her  disgrace  a  shameful  faith  to  plight. 

But  surely  cheering  to  the  President 
Are  words  across  the  heaving  ocean  sent. 
The  cultivated,  philanthropic  men, 
For  liberty  so  free  with  tongue  and  pen, 
From  whom  such  withering  rebukes  have  come, 
Because  America  is  Slavery's  home, 
They  certainly  will  lift  their  voices  high, 
And  with  a  matchless  earnestness  will  cry : 
"  Awake  !  O,  ye  Americans,  awake  ! 
Your  spirits  from  their  baneful  stupor  shake ; 
To  rescue  of  your  country's  freedom  rush ; 
The  power  of  mad,  rebellious  Slavery  crush !" 

Since  man  first  looked  inquiringly  at  man, 
No  expectation  ever  was  more  vain. 
There  live  a  Gasparin,  a  Mill,  a  Bright, 
A  few  beside,  who  know  and  love  the  right. 
But  who  can  hear  these  single  voices,  drowned 
In  that  o'erwhelming  flood  of  vocal  sound, 
That  choral  cry :  "  Go  on,  O  traitors,  on ! 
Success  is  yours  ;  the  Great  Republic's  gone !" 

Nor  ended  here  the  pressure  toward  despair 
On  those  who  held  the  governmental  care. 
As  servants,  not  as  potentates,  they  wrought, 
3 


34  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

And  at  their  hands  the  common  good  was  sought, 
While  they  controlled  no  forces  for  that  end, 
Save  those  the  people  might  elect  to  lend. 
How  sounded  then  the  country's  sovereign  voice  ? 
In  that  dark  hour,  what  was  the  people's  choice  ? 
They  had  no  choice.     The  minds  unused  to  scan 
Aught  worse  than  common  wickedness  of  man, 
Were  impotent  their  plans  to  penetrate 
Who  viewed  their  country  with  a  bitter  hate. 
The  people  gave  the  Government  no  proof 
Of  readiness  to  serve  their  own  behoof. 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL.  35 


VII. 

IN  very  deed,  a  God  was  needed  then ; 
The  time  had  fully  come  to  "  cease  from  men ;" 
And  soon  in  glowing  light  it  was  revealed, 
That,  while  from  every  human  eye  concealed, 
The  Providence,  so  oft  besought  in  prayer, 
Had  answered  with  a  patient,  watchful  care. 

In  that  proud  city  of  the  Southern  coast 
Where  Slavery's  glories  have  been  vaunted  most, — 
Where  Slavery's  venom  has  performed  its  worst, 
In  making  patriotic  zeal  accursed, — 
Where  Slavery's  foul  conspiracy  began, 
The  Sovereign  has  prepared  Himself  a  man  : 
To  Anderson  Kentucky's  noble  son, 
Is  clearly  shown  the  work  which  must  be  done. 
Of  faithful  ones  he  has  a  little  band, 
And  each  till  death  will  by  that  banner  stand, 
Which  now,  with  heaving  breasts  and  sparkling  eyes, 
They  see  above  the  walls  of  Sumter  rise. 

There's  rage  in  Charleston  when  the  mid-day  sun 
Writes  on  the  stripes :  "  A  noble  deed  is  done." 
The  signs  of  loyalty,  which  there  appear, 


36  LIBEETY'S  OEDEAL. 

Show  Treason's  infamy  in  light  too  clear ; 

And  that  which  speaks  of  honor's  worth  they  swear 

Shall  wave  no  more  in  Carolina's  air. 

In  stately  form  the  Governor  demands 

That  Sumter's  keys  be  given  to  his  hands, 

And  fair  America  acknowledge  lost 

The  massive  walls  erected  at  her  cost. 

But  fair  America  falls  not  so  low, 
For  Anderson  asks  God,  and  God  says,  "  No." 
The  voice  divine  he  tranquilly  obeys, 
Though  treason's  camp-fires  now  around  him  blaze, 
And  wheresoe'er  he  turns  his  anxious  eyes, 
He  sees  the  batteries  of  treason  rise, 
And  Moultrie,  crazed  by  arts  of  Belial's  sons, 
Her  sister  menaces  with  big-mouthed  guns. 

And  now  the  little  band  of  heroes  see 
A  foe  more  frightful  than  grim  cannonry : 
The  skinny  hand  of  Famine  meets  each  eye; 
She  screeches  out,  "  Ye  madmen,  fly ! 
Bewitched  no  longer  by  your  country's  charms, 
But  find  your  safety  in  rebellion's  arms." 
Unmoved  by  this  appeal,  the  faithful  band 
Await  the  pointing  of  the  heavenly  hand. 
They  wait  not  long ;  past  are  the  numbered  days, 
And  now  the  wrath  of  man  the  Lord  shall  praise. 

As,  in  the  April  morning's  early  light, 
The  watchman  on  the  walls  directs  his  sight 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  87 

Across  the  tide  that  laves  the  western  shore, 

The  earth  is  seen  a  snowy  cloud  to  pour 

Upon  the  air,  and,  with  a  thunder-crash, 

Secession's  bolts  at  Union's  emblem  dash. 

The  die  is  cast ;  and  now,  with  hellish  rage, 

Blood-thirsty  traitors  in  the  work  engage ; 

From  Moultrie's  face,   from  South,  from  West,   from 

North, 

The  brazen  throats  their  fury  bellow  forth ; 
The  pond'rous  missiles  rock  the  solid  walls, 
And  bursting  shell  to  shell  descending  calls. 

Ten  thousand  men  one  hundred  men  assail ; 
O,  what  can  efforts  of  so  few  avail  ? 
Does  not  the  starry  flag  at  once  descend, 
And  Union  to  Secession's  pleasure  bend  ? 
The  starry  flag  still  waves  its  ample  folds, 
And  Union  still  her  upright  posture  holds ; 
Her  enemies  mistook  her  peaceful  mien, 
And  now  her  martial  aspect  shall  be  seen. 

Ye  souls  of  patriots,  behold  this  band ! 
The  hands  are  few,  but  each  a  hero's  hand ; 
And  now,  from  casemate  and  from  parapet, 
The  fierce  assaults  are  with  defiance  met. 
To  Sumter's  brow  there  springs  a  wreath  of  smoke ; 
Around  her  shoulders  is  a  fiery  cloak ; 
Her  frame  with  mighty  indignation  shakes, 
And  at  her  voice  the  lurid  water  quakes. 
The  spirit  of  America  informs 


38  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Her  every  part,  and  with  this  fury  storms ; 
The  Nation  thunders  now  to  traitor-hearts : 
"  I  will  not  perish  by  satanic  arts." 

From  morn  to  eve,  from  eve  to  morn  again, 
Before  ten  thousand  stand  those  hundred  men ; 
And,  far  upon  his  second  course,  the  sun 
Beholds  high  deeds  for  Union's  honor  done. 
The  flames  are  bursting  from  the  fortress'  crown, 
And  coals  of  fire  are  thickly  showering  down. 
The  pallid  men  are  seen  to  gasp  and  choke, 
In  heated  air  and  suffocating  smoke. 
Yet  no  one  rests ;  no  one  a  moment  stops ; 
No  tongue  a  word  of  heart-exhaustion  drops. 
As  nearer  comes  the  raging  of  the  flames, 
The  guns  are  pointed  with  still  surer  aims ; 
'Tis  but  a  little  while  those  guns  can  speak, 
But  while  they  can,  their  voice  shall  not  be  weak. 

Ah !  well  that  day's  decisive  work  was  done ; 
Eternal  honor  to  thee,  Anderson ! 
Be  ever  honored,  ye  heroic  men, 
Who  bought  such  honor  for  your  country  then. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  39 


VIII. 

As  northward  flashes,  o'er  the  slender  wires, 
The  glare  of  traitor  and  of  patriot  fires, 
A  nation  wakes,  as  by  an  earthquake  shock, 
To  feel  the  basis  of  its  being  rock. 
Now  twenty  million  hearts  alike  are  stirred; 
From  twenty  million  mouths  one  cry  is  heard : 
"  What !  fire  upon  the  old  star-spangled  flag, 
And  in  its  place  hang  out  their  filthy  rag  ? 
Attempt  the  Government  to  overthrovw, 
And  lay  our  matchless  Constitution  low  ? 
The  nation  into  jarring  fragments  break? 
Of  all  our  hopes  this  shameful  issue  make  ? 
Shall  we  behold,  from  her  proud  station  hurled, 
America  the  hissing  of  the  world, 
And  for  the  lovers  of  mankind  prepare, 
By  our  base  fall,  the  chalice  of  despair  ? 
It  shall  not  be.     Ye  men  of  seventy-six, 
Your  gaze  serene  upon  your  children  fix, 
And  hear  them  vow  the  Government  you  gave, 
From  foes  without,  and  foes  within,  to  save." 

Now  Lincoln  sees  the  people  have  a  choice, 
And  wait  impatiently  to  hear  his  voice. 


40  LIBERTY'S  OEDEAL. 

The  call  to  arms  no  longer  is  delayed, 
Nor  sooner  sounded  forth  than  'tis  obeyed. 
From  counting-house,  mechanic's  shop,  and  farm, 
From  pulpit,  bench,  and  lawyer's  desk  they  swarm, 
And  make  each  city  and  each  village  street 
Kesound  with  loud  hurrahs,  and  tramping  feet. 
The  drum  and  fife  send  forth  their  stirring  notes ; 
O'er  every  house  the  Union's  banner  floats ; 
On  every  form  are  seen  Red,  White,  and  Blue, 
And  none  finds  beauty  in  another  hue. 

Gray-bearded  men  and  smooth-chinned  boys  are  seen 
Against  the  walls,  with  choking  sobs,  to  lean, 
O'erwhelmed  because  the  officers  reply : 
"  You  cannot  for  your  native  country  die." 

A  wife  is  hanging  on  her  husband's  neck, 
And  struggling  mightily  her  grief  to  check. 
She  conquers  now ;  she  looks  into  his  eyes, 
Prepared  far  more  than  life  to  sacrifice ; 
She  speaks :  "  My  husband,  yes ;  I  will  consent, 
Though  God  alone  sees  how  this  heart  is  rent. 
When  you  and  I  are  sleeping  with  the  dead, 
These  precious  boys  must  never  hear  it  said : 
'  A  peril  dire  your  country  overhung, 
But  still  your  father  to  his  fireside  clung.' " 

The  widow  from  her  closet  comes,  to  meet 

The  only  son,  whose  gazes  still  entreat : 

Her  voice  is  calm ;  she  gently  says :  "  My  son, 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  41 

Through  grace  divine,  I  have  the  victory  won, 
And  in  my  feelings  there  is  wrought  a  change. 
A  mother's  heart  is  something  very  strange : 
I  never  loved  you  so,  nor  was  so  proud, 
As  since  I  last  before  my  Father  bowed. 
I've  whispered  to  my  soul,  with  sweetest  joy, 
'  I  have  a  brave  and  patriotic  boy ;' 
And  God  forbid  a  mother's  selfishness 
A  son's  nobility  should  e'er  repress." 


42  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


IX. 

ARE  these  things  so  ?    Are  these  things  as  they  seem  ? 
Are  we  in  civil  war  ?    Do  we  not  dream  ? 
O,  real  as  the  grave,  as  sin,  as  woe, 
As  horridest  of  facts  that  man  may  know, 
Are  all  these  sights  and  sounds.     The  fire  whose  glare, 
In  fitful  darts,  our  vision  could  not  bear, — 
Whose  being  we  denied, — with  sudden  burst, 
Has  wrapped  the  country  in  its  blaze  accursed. 
America  is  plunged  in  civil  war. 
Her  very  life  she  now  is  struggling  for. 
To  save  her  from  a  death  of  endless  shame, 
Her  sons,  who  still  of  sons  deserve  the  name, 
Must  face  her  truthless  and  misguided  sons, 
With  clashing  sabres,  and  earth-jarring  guns. 

In  other  lands,  or  times,  the  bards  might  tell 
What  strifes  and  "  moving  accidents"  befell, — 
Might  picture  forth  each  stormy  battle-scene, 
And  crown  each  hero  with  his  laurel  green ; 
But  who  shall  linger  on  the  earth  so  long, 
That  he  may  trace  in  narratory  song, 
And  lucidly  present  upon  his  page 
The  war  America  is  forced  to  wage  ? 


LIBERTY'S  OBDEAL.  43 

A  contest  such  as  Earth  ne'er  saw  before, 
Must  bear  such  fruit  as  contest  never  bore, — 
Must  prove  the  truth  to  every  tribe  and  clan, 
That  civil  liberty  is  safe  for  man. 
The  arid  plains  of  far  New  Mexico 
Must  drink  the  blood  of  Union's  friend  and  foe, 
And  eastward  thence,  to  old  Atlantic's  beach, 
Unbroken  must  the  line  of  battle  reach. 
From  Chesapeake  to  Rio  Grande's  mouth, 
Along  the  jagged  sea-coast  of  the  South, 
The  thunders  of  the  conflict  must  resound 
And  mangled  human  forms  must  fleck  the  ground. 


44  LIBERTY'S  OBDEAL. 


X. 

UNRUFFLED  never  is  the  course  of  Right ; 
The  days  of  darkness  follow  days  of  light. 
The  men  who  breathe  America's  free  air, 
For  good  or  ill,  will  never  fail  to  dare. 
He  slumbers  not,  by  whom  'tis  understood 
When  for  the  righteous  cause  defeat  is  good. 
A  people  nobly  battling  for  the  Right, 
Must  learn  to  "  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight," — 
Must  be  instructed  by  the  chastening  rod, 
And  wait  the  grinding  of  the  "  Mills  of  God." 

One  day  on  every  spirit,  as  it  passed, 
Impressed  a  stamp  which  win  forever  last : 
It  was  a  glorious  morn ;  the  July  sun 
Was  breathing  to  our  hearts  a  glad  "  Well  done  ;" 
And,  as  we  met  each  other  on  the  street, 
Each  visage  seemed  the  plaudit  to  repeat. 
Our  souls  were  ready  for  an  upward  bound, 
And  soon  the  upward-heaving  force  was  found ; 
It  was  a  shout,  a  high,  exultant  shout 
Of  "  Glorious  Victory !"  that  sounded  out 
Upon  the  placid  air.     We  do  not  wait 
To  question ;  with  ecstatic  joy  elate, 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL.  45 

We  say,  and  say  again :    "  Our  cause  is  won ; 
What  rebels  could  do  is  already  done ; 
Their  mad  attempt  is  fully  ended  now, 
And  all  to  Union's  majesty  must  bow; 
Our  country's  safe ;  heroic  men  no  more, 
For  her  salvation,  precious  blood  shall  pour." 
We  hurry  to  and  fro,  such  words  to  speak, 
While  ruddy  joy  sits  blooming  on  each  cheek  ; 
Each  eye, — But  what  is  this  ?     What  can  it  mean  ? 
Has  every  man  a  frightful  spectre  seen  ? 
All  lips  are  white  ;  all  eyes  with  horror  stare ; 
Is  death  or  madness  hov'ring  in  the  air  ? 
This  cruel  truth  has  flashed  along  the  street, 
Consuming  in  our  breasts  a  falsehood  sweet : 
"  With  headlong  rush  the  Union  soldiers  fly, 
And  traitors  lift  their  shouts  of  triumph  high !" 

For  them  who  still  retain  the  use  of  sense, 
Succeed  two  days  of  terrible  suspense, 
Until  the  crushing  message  from  Bull  Run 
Exhausts  its  never-equalled  power  to  stun. 
The  third  day  comes,  and  the  suspense  is  o'er ; 
For  rising,  like  the  distant  ocean's  roar, 
And  hourly  swelling  for  a  mightier  sweep, 
The  People's  voice,  in  tones  distinct  and  deep, 
Declares  that  this  Republic  shall  survive, 
Though  all  the  Devils  for  its  ruin  strive : 
The  readiness  for  temporary  strife 
Becomes  a  willingness  to  fight  through  life. 


46  LIBEETT'S  OEDEAL. 


XI. 

To  fight !  O,  dark  necessity  of  Earth, 
Since  wickedness  in  Eden  had  its  birth ! 
That  one  should  be  compelled  by  sin  to  choose 
The  dignity  of  manliness  to  lose, 
And  sacred  trusts  ignobly  to  betray, 
Or  fellow-men  in  bloody  death  to  lay ! 
That,  for  the  vindication  of  the  Right,  . 
So  many  eyes  should  close  to  Heaven's  light ; 
Such  noble  forms  be  laid  in  winding-sheets ; 
Such  throngs  of  mourners  go  about  the  streets. 

Till  use  had  wrought  a  shield  before  our  hearts, 
Which  checked  the  driving  of  affliction's  darts, 
So  cruelly  their  bearded  points  did  tear, 
We  feared  the  failing  of  our  power  to  bear. 
When  Ellsworth,  young,  ingenuous,  and  brave, 
With  mangled  breast  was  covered  in  the  grave ; 
When  brilliant  Winthrop  ended  his  career, 
In  presence  of  the  foes  he  could  not  fear ; 
When  Baker's  lips  of  eloquence  were  closed, 
And  on  the  bloody  sod  his  head  reposed ; 
And,  O,  when  Lyon  led  his  brave  ones  on, 
With  glorious  death  heroic  life  to  crown, 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL.  47 

What  utter  impotence  in  language  dwelt, 

To  give  expression  to  the  ache  we  felt ! 

O,  peacefully  may  fallen  patriots  sleep ; 

Their  honor  in  our  "  Heart  of  hearts"  we'll  keep, 

And  ever  shall  the  loyal  bosom  swell, 

When  one  is  named  who  for  the  Union  fell. 


48  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


XII. 

IT  yields  assuagement  of  the  mourner's  pain, 
To  know  that  life  has  not  been  given  in  vain ; 
And  tender  Pity,  reaching  from  the  sky, 
To  stricken  souls  has  brought  that  knowledge  nigh. 
When  stern  Adversity  its  work  has  done, 
And  needful  ends  of  discipline  were  won, 
The  righteous  Sovereign  blessed  the  loyal  brave, 
And  signal  for  the  Right's  'advancement  gave. 
v 

And  now,  behold,  with  what  a  lustre  shine 
Achievements  crowned  with  benisons  divine ! 
Du  Font's  exultant  riders  of  the  deep, 
'Twixt  fort  and  fort  in  fiery  circles  sweep, 
And  raise  for  loyalty  a  voice  so  high, 
That  Treason's  champions  in  terror  fly, 
And  joyously,  on  Carolina's  shore, 
Ascend  the  stars  and  stripes,  to  fall  no  more. 

Upon  Kentucky's  soil  a  Union  band 
Fierce  Zollicoffer's  swift  assault  withstand ; 
Assail  in  turn  as  with  a  lion's  bound, 
And  lay  their  foemen  thick  upon  the  ground. 


LIBERTY'S  OEDEAJL. 

And  now 'the  rebel  host,  in  scattered  flocks, 
Are  wildly  rushing  to  the  mountain  rocks. 

Believing  Foote  moves  up  the  Tennessee, 
And  soon  beholds  a  thing  which  must  not  be : 
The  flag  of  Treason  waves  upon  a  fort, 
And  sternly  bids  him  cut  his  voyage  short. 
He  makes  that  flag  the  object  of  his  aim, 
And,  wrapped  in  boiling  smoke,  and  shooting  flame, 
Through  iron  hail,  in  line  direct  he  drives, 
Till  traitors  piteously  beg  their  lives. 

With  trenches,  hills,  and  rifle-pits  around, 
At  Donelson  are  rebel  thousands  found  ; 
Poor  men !  condemned  to  recognize  as  chief 
So  vile  a  wretch  as  Floyd,  the  perjured  thief. 
The  degradation  will  not  long  endure, 
For  Grant  is  coming,  with  approaches  sure. 
They  would  escape ;  McClernand's  in  the  way, 
And  thrice  his  number  sternly  holds  at  bay, 
Till  Smith  prepares,  and,  with  a  whirlwind  rush, 
His  brave  ones  all  opposing  foemen  crush, 
And  Wallace  gathers  up  a  force  which  sweeps 
The  rebel  remnants  into  panting  heaps. 
Then  Floyd  and  Pillow  meanly  sneak  away, 
And  rebel  thousands  yield  at  break  of  day ; 
For  Grant  proposes  on  the  works  to  move, 
And  prowess  of  his  heroes  further  prove. 

Deep  in  the  Western  wilderness,  three  days, 
With  hostile  fires  the  quaking  hill-tops  blaze, 
4 


49 


50  LIBERTY'S  OBDEAL. 

While  Curtis,  Sigel,  Davis  prove  their  right 
To  head  the  Western  patriots  in  fight. 
For  Union  then  there  is  a  joyful  shout, 
And  Treason  mourns  a  mighty  army's  rout ; 
And  then  "  Pea  Ridge"  becomes  a  name  of  cheer 
To  all  who  hold  our  country's  honor  dear. 

As  night,  and  thunder,  and  the  lightning's  glare, 
Suggest  what  Pope's  grim  engineers  prepare, 
A  gust  of  terror  from  New  Madrid  blows 
A  multitude  of  Union's  proudest  foes. 
At  Island  Ten  they  find  but  little  rest ; 
By  Pope  and  Foote  from  every  quarter  pressed, 
They  flee  again,  but  in  the  dark  morass, 
Beneath  the  starry  flag  as  captives  pass. 

As  over  Shiloh's  field  the  daylight  breaks, 
A  startling  shock  a  sleeping  army  wakes : 
They  come !  they  come !    By  myriads  they  pour, 
With  crackling  musketry  and  cannons'  roar. 
Our  braves  leap  into  lines,  in  columns  form, 
And  breast  the  fury  of  the  sudden  storm. 
Outnumbered,  as  they  sullenly  retire, 
There  is  no  slack'ning  of  their  deadly  fire, 
But  still  against  the  fearful  odds  they  fight, 
Till  Shiloh  wears  the  sable  pall  of  night. 
So  soon  as  they  behold  again  the  sun, 
The  bloody  contest  is  again  begun ; 
The  tide  is  turned,  and  now  the  foe  must  yield ; 
The  Union  army  holds  the  silent  field. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  51 

A  tempest  rages  on  the  North  State's  coast, 
And  all  a  gallant,  ship-imprisoned  host 
Is  loudly  threatened  with  a  direful  wreck, 
While  Burnside  stands  upon  a  heaving  deck 
And  trusts  in  God.     The  tempest  moves  away, 
And  soon  the  patriots,  in  stern  array, 
As  breezes  puff  along  the  battle-smoke, 
Are  seen  to  stand,  the  masters  of  Roanoko. 

Without  delay  again  they  are  afloat, 
And  now  the  Neuse  gives  back  their  bugle-note. 
They  disembark  upon  the  miry  bank, 
And  at  the  dawn,  each  in  his  proper  rank, 
And  each  prepared  to  offer  up  his  life, 
They  steadily  approach  the  place  of  strife. 
Who  would  not  say  the  mad  attempt  must  fail 
That  line  of  frowning  breastworks  to  assail  ? 
But  the  attempt  is  made ;  the  day  is  won ; 
In  wild  dismay  ten  thousand  rebels  run, 
For  Burnside,  Keno,  Foster,  Parke  have  led 
Such  loyal  men  as  traitors  well  may  dread. 

The  time  has  come  for  Farragut  to  strike ; 
What  in  the  past  is  his  achievement  like? 
A  fort  is  thundering  on  either  hand, 
And  massive  chains  are  stretched  from  land  to  land. 
The  burning  rafts  are  ready  to  descend, 
And  iron  monsters  will  their  terrors  lend. 
Amid  the  huddled  ships  will  gunboats  dash, 
And  rams  the  solid  ribs  of  oak  will  crash. 


52  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

What  mighty  manager  of  words  has  power 
To  picture  forth  the  tumult  of  the  hour, 
When  Farragut  was  plunging  on  his  way 
Against  the  fury  of  that  dread  array  ? 

The  strife  was  o'er ;  and,  when  the  sun  arose, 
The  Union  fleet,  beyond  the  reach  of  foes, 
Though  bruised  and  grimed,  la)  tranquilly  at  rest 
On  Mississippi's  broad,  unruffled  breast, 
Prepared  to  seek  the  Crescent  City's  face, 
And  free  her  from  Secession's  foul  disgrace, — 
To  introduce  the  earnestness  and  skill, 
The  mastery  of  Butler's  mind  and  will. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  58 


XIII. 

IT  could  not  be  forever  thus ;  such  pains 
As  prove  to  sinful  men  that  God  still  reigns, 
And  make  them  know  their  fancied  gold  is  dross, 
Were  winged  abroad  by  unimagined  loss. 
When  praise  is  stolen  from  the  King  on  high, 
The  creatures  of  His  hand  to  glorify, 
'Tis  needful  the  idolaters  should  see 
How  pitiful  a  worshipped  man  can  be. 

0,  how  resplendent  was  the  ruddy  light 
Which  banished  all  the  gloom  of  Bull  Run's  night, 
When  young  MCCLELLAN'S  meteoric  flame 
Burst  forth  upon  our  sky !     To  speak  his  name 
Was  then  to  taste  a  ripe  and  luscious  joy. 
McClellan !  he  it  was  who  should  destroy 
The  dragon  of  Rebellion,  and  should  place 
Eternity's  broad  seal  on  Freedom's  base. 

With  joyful  confidence  the  nation  bent 
Her  energies  to  his  support.     She  sent 
By  tens  of  myriads,  to  fill  his  ranks, 
Her  best  beloved  sons,  with  hearty  thanks 


54  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

That  they  were  privileged,  at  his  command, 
Before  infuriate  rebel  hosts  to  stand. 

He  showed  himself  a  man  of  wondrous  skill 
To  dress,  and  group,  and  organize,  and  drill. 
He  sat  his  horse  with  a  peculiar  grace, 
And  often  spurred  him,  at  a  dashing  pace, 
Along  the  front  of  his  parading  host, 
And  made  it  seem  earth  ne'er  before  could  boast 
A  man  so  formed  for  every  warlike  feat, 
So  grand  a  chief,  a  hero  so  complete. 

At  times,  we  felt  that  something  must  be  wrong, 
When  Autumn  passed,  and  Winter  moved  along, 
And  still  that  mighty  army  struck  no  blow, 
Nor  stirred  to  meet  the  near,  and  threat'ning  foe. 
But  we  were  told,  "  The  mud  is  very  deep, 
And  certainly  McClellan's  not  asleep, 
But  has  his  plans,  and  soon  will  make  a  move 
Which  plainly  his  pre-eminence  will  prove." 
Unwilling  to  confess  ourselves  deceived, 
We  welcomed  this  defence,  and  still  believed. 

At  length- we  thought  our  trustfulness  approved; 
The  day  arrived  on  which  the  army  moved ; 
Then  expectation  sharpened  every  sense, 
And  hope  shed  wild'ring  sweetness  on  suspense. 
We  heard  of  rushing  on  the  foeman's  track, 
And  then  of  marching  out,  and  marching  back. 
Then  came  mysterious  hints  of  wondrous  schemes, 


LIBERTY'S  OEDEAL.  55 

And  strategy  surpassing  wildest  dreams : 
A  strokes  of  genius  would  amaze  the  world, 
And  Treason  down  to  Erebus  be  hurled. 

The  fogs  of  mystery  were  cleared  away : 
In  Hampton  Roads  a  fleet  of  transports  lay, 
And  with  confusing  hum,  and  splash,  and  roar, 
A  cloud  of  men  were  swarming  to  the  shore. 

Elate  with  hope,  and  strong  in  purpose  high, 
The  love  of  country  lighting  every  eye, 
They  quickly  formed  in  long,  and  deep  array, 
The  order,  "  Forward,"  panting  to  obey. 
The  long  expected  hour  had  come  at  last ; 
The  days  of  tedious  preparation  past, 
Their  lines  invincible  would  now  advance, 
And,  quickened  by  their  chief's  inspiring  glance, 
Assail  the  hostile  bands  that  blocked  their  path, 
And,  with  the  vehemence  of  righteous  wrath, 
Upon  the  capital  of  Treason  rush, 
And  once  for  all  the  horrid  monster  crush. 

Alas !  though  all  the  world  can  plainly  see 
That  this  is  possible,  'tis  not  to  be : 
The  chief  has  passed  the  limit  of  his  sphere, 
And  honor  has  abandoned  his  career. 
•The  nation's  idol,  held  almost  divine, 
Before  that  peerless  host  begins  to  whine, 
Because  the  nation's  heart  is  not  laid  bare, 
That  he,  poor  quiv'ring,  nerveless  thing,  may  dare 


56  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Advance  against  a  despicable  force, 

Which  could  not  for  an  hour  impede  his  course. 

It  is  a  tale  to  bid  hot  blushes  rise ; 
A  tale  with  pity's  tears  to  blind  the  eyes ; 
And  yet  a  tale  admiring  love  to  wake, 
And  bid  all  patriots  fresh  courage  take. 
If  shame  is  felt  for  one's  faint-heartedness, 
For  fruitless  death  of  myriads,  keen  distress, 
That  army's  deeds  should,  make  our  bosom  swell, 
And  ground  the  faith  that  all  will  yet  be  well. 

When  Williamsburg's  intrenchmcnts  rose  to  view, 
And  from  their  fiery  mouths  destruction  flew, 
The  patient  valor  of  the  bloody  stand, 
The  steady  movement  of  the  less'ning  band, 
The  charge  impetuous  of  Hancock's  men, 
And  that  triumphant  shout  they  lifted  then, 
Threw  terrors  maddening  among  their  foes, 
And  made  it  easy,  had  McClellan  chose, 
To  seize  at  once  on  Treason's  central  spring, 
And  have  rebellion  a  departed  thing. 

When  Chickahominy  foamed  on  his  way, 
For  watchful  foes  to  isolate  a  prey, 
The  deadly  falling  flack  at  Seven  Pines, 
The  moveless  posture  of  the  slender  lines, 
The  stand  of  company  against  brigade, 
The  furious  assaults  at  Fair  Oaks  made, 
Procured  for  patriots  another  sight 
Of  rebel  multitudes  in  headlong  flight. 


LIBERTY'S  OEDEAL.  57 

And  now  begins  the  memorable  week, 
Whose  tale  to  far-off  centuries  will  speak 
Of  valor  tested  in  a  thousand  ways, 
And  glowing  ever  with  intenser  rays. 
From  Shenandoah's  valley  Jackson  whirls, 
And,  like  a  thunderbolt,  his  column  hurls 
Upon  a  second  isolated  force. 
They  face  him  in  his  desolating  course ; 
He  masses  here  and  masses  there  in  vain ; 
The  ground  is  hideous  with  his  heaps  of  slain ; 
The  harvesters  of  Death,  through  all  the  day, 
They  hold  that  overwhelming  throng  at  bay. 

A  hurried  march  by  night  succeeds  the  strife, 
And  such  becomes  the  Union  army's  life. 
For  food  and  sleep  they  have  the  might  of  will, 
Until  they  plant  their  feet  on  Malvern  Hill, 
And  there  decisively  the  conflict  close, 
By  hurling  back  the  avalanche  of  foes 
With  such  terrific  energy  that,  hence, 
Their  dread  will  serve  them  as  a  sure  defence. 


58  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


XIV. 

As  thickest  clouds  resist  approaching  dawn, 
The  veil  of  hope,  o'er  understanding  drawn, 
Gave  us  to  learn,  with  slowly  swelling  pain, 
The  wretched  failure  of  the  great  campaign. 
When  rigid  truth  at  last  had  claimed  her  own, 
And  all  the  feared  became  the  fully  known, 
A  strange  paralysis  possessed  each  heart. 
We  neither  wept  nor  raved,  but  each  apart, 
We  slowly  walked,  or  sat  with  folded  arms, 
Untouched  by  hope  of  joys,  or  fear  of  harms, 
Without  a  thought  which  human  speech  could  serve, 
Or  feeling  which  could  agitate  a  nerve, 
And  yet  with  thoughts  and  feelings  so  immense, 
They  almost  burst  the  bond  of  soul  and  sense. 

But  we  awoke ;  the  future's  signal-fire 
Bade  all  the  shadows  of  the  past  retire ; 
Our  eyes  were  turned  upon  the  Rapidan ; 
There,  there  already,  was  the  rebel  van ; 
The  myriads  were  rushing,  fired  with  hope 
Of  sweeping  through  the  thin  array  of  Pope, 
And  onward,  onward  still,  with  no  delay, 
Till  Washington  should  lie  their  helpless  prey. 


LIBERTY'S  OBDEAL.  59 

The  patriots  well  understood  the  state ; 
Each  felt  intrusted  with  a  nation's  fate ; 
Their  shouts  defiant  through  the  forest  broke ; 
The  Rappahannock  was  embanked  in  smoke. 
While  bloody  forms  grew  thick  on  either  brink, 
And  yet  the  fords'  defenders  would  not  shrink. 

The  baffled  enemies  could  pass  around 
The  line  they  could  not  break.     Once  more  they  found 
The  Union  soldiers  and  their  deadly  fire ; 
The  slender  band  compelled  them  to  retire, 
And  make  detour  again,  and  yet  again : 
O,  what  a  question  wrung  our  spirits  then ! 
Could  those  heroic  few  still  hold  in  check 
That  multitude,  and  stay  the  nation's  wreck, 
Till  from  the  James,  their  brothers  hastening, 
A  glorious  deliverance  should  bring  ? 

They  fully  did  their  work.     Their  brothers  came ; 
And,  had  no  chieftain  clothed  himself  with  shame, 
The  swift,  complete  redemption  of  Bull  Run 
Had  then  proclaimed  the  rebel  cause  undone. 
But  still  McClellan  quibbled,  and  deferred, 
And  still  he  gave,  and  still  he  broke  his  word, 
Till  Porter's  barefaced  treachery  had  wrought 
His  own,  beside  the  ruin  ihat  he  sought. 

Then  came  the  dismal  days  when  Maryland 
Beheld  invasion's  slimy  flood  expand ; 
And  then  South  Mountain  shook  beneath  the  tread 


60  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Of  patriots,  before  whom  traitors  fled. 

Up,  up  they  charged,  along  the  rugged  steep  : 

The  cannons  roared,  but  hindered  not  their  sweep ; 

Before  their  bayonets  the  lines  gave  way ; 

The  pinnacle  was  theirs  and  theirs  the  day. 

On  that  high  spot  the  banner  floated  out ; 

And  far-off  hills  gave  back  the  greeting  shout. 

Three  days  had  passed,  when  face  to  face,  once  more, 
The  armies  stood,  each  stronger  than  before. 
'Twas  Hooker's  province,  stationed  at  the  right, 
With  his  tried  columns  to  commence  the  fight ; 
Though  shortly  he  was  carried  from  the  field, 
He  saw  the  stubborn  foe  begin  to  yield. 
Then  Sumner  came,  with  silver-waving  hair, 
A  voice  to  cheer,  a  noble  heart  to  dare. 
But  thick  upon  his  front  the  rebels  massed ; 
On  every  side  his  men  were  falling  fast ; 
His  shattered  ranks  were  slowly  giving  ground, 
When  Franklin's  heroes,  with  a  sudden  bound, 
And  wild,  defiant  cheer,  were  at  their  side, 
And,  in  an  instant,  turned  the  battle's  tide. 

Down  at  the  left,  beneath  a  batt'ried  ridge, 
The  corps  of  Burnside  stormed  a  narrow  bridge, 
Then  upward  pressed,  and  struggled  on,  till  night 
Forbade  the  further  progress  of  the  fight. 
The  dawn  was  watched  by  many  eager  eyes, 
And  many  hearts  were  lifted  to  the  skies, 
In  thanks,  and  adoration,  for  the  hour 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  61 

Which  placed  rebellion  in  the  patriot's  power. 
Alas !  McClellan  thought  it  best  to  wait, 
And  at  another  dawn  it  was  too  late. 

Kentucky  soon  our  chief  attention  claimed ; 
While  treason-goaded  children  scourged,  and  shamed, 
The  robbing  bands  that  Smith  and  Morgan  led, 
Like  swarming  vampires,  on  her  life-blood  fed. 
And  then,  alas !  the  bearer  of  a  trust 
That  should  exalt,  preferred  to  lick  the  dust. 
The  fear,  that  Slavery  would  experience  harm, 
Froze  Buell's  heart,  and  paralyzed  his  arm. 
Instead  of  pressing  up  the  Tennessee, 
And  setting  all  the  mountain  region  free, 
He  followed  in  the  rebel  army's  wake, 
As  if  to  see  what  course  it  meant  to  take, 
Till  Bragg  had  learned,  upon  Ohio's  brink, 
There  were  such  foes  as  gave  him  cause  to  shrink. 
And  when  the  swelling  of  the  Union  force 
Had  made  it  possible  to  end  the  course 
Of  that  invading  army,  Buell  still 
For  Slavery  trembled  ;  and  at  Perryville 
McCook  and  his  companions,  left  alone, 
With  valor  unexceeded  vainly  shone. 

There  came  a  change, — a  Union  chief  was  found, 
Whom  no  such  despicable  fetters  bound ; 
A  new  directing  spirit  soon  disclosed 
Of  what  true  stuff  that  army  was  composed. 


62  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Amid  immovably  established  claims 

To  high  renown,  that  of  the  coupled  names 

Of  Murfreesboro  and  of  Rosecrans 

Shall  stand  the  sweep  of  fate,  the  shock  of  chance. 


LIBEETY'S  OKDEAL. 


XV. 

IN  these  our  days  there  is  a  power  abroad 
Whose  tests  hypocrisy  cannot  defraud, 
Which  modest  diffidence  cannot  evade, 
Which  wrings  from  men  the  stuff  whereof  they're  made. 
And  there  have  been  disclosures  that  should  move 
Our  soul's  recesses  in  their  depths,  and  prove 
What  is  our  admiration's  utmost  reach, — 
What  love  to  man  is  possible  for  each. 

Throughout  the  North,  in  stations  low  and  high, 
Has  gleamed  a  virtue  worthy  of  the  sky ; 
But  O,  the  heart  must  swell,  the  lips  be  dumb, 
When  Southern  patriots  before  us  come, 
The  offers  of  pre-eminence  to  scorn, 
Unmoved  to  hear  the  tools  of  treason  warn; 
The  Reign  of  Terror  tranquilly  to  brave, 
And  look  unblenching  at  the  opening  grave ; 
Or  penniless,  from  wealth  and  power  to  flee, 
That  still  the  soul  from  blackness  may  be  free ; 
These  things  to  do,  is  to  present  a  claim 
To  universal  love  and  deathless  fame. 
Heroic  Johnson !  Brownlow!  Hamilton  I 
Eternal  is  the  glory  ye  have  won ; 


64  LIBERTY'S  ORDEA.L. 

And  thousands  of  your  like,  who  ne'er  on  earth 
Will  find  a  recognition  of  their  worth, 
On  heavenly  plains  shall  stand,  in  robes  of  light, 
Among  the  highest  martyrs  for  the  Right. 

Beyond  the  ocean  have  emerged  to  view 
The  signs  of  manhood  incorrupt  and  true. 
A  throng  of  needy  artisans  attend, 
While  orators  their  highest  efforts  bend, 
To  prove  the  term  will  come  of  their  sore  need, 
When  traitors  in  America  succeed; 
But  they  inquire :  "  In  case  of  such  success, 
Would  Slavery's  power  be  greater,  or  be  less  ?" 
The  orators  must  redden  and  concede 
"Tis  Slavery's  villany  for  which  they  plead ; 
Or,  if  the  hateful  fact  they  still  deny, 
Their  manner  shows  that  knowingly  they  lie. 
Then  speak  the  artisans :  "  We'll  hear  no  more ; 
In  other  ears  your  slimy  poison  pour ; 
By  gaunt  Starvation's  hand  we  will  expire, 
Ere  we  will  breathe,  or  cherish  a  desire 
That  they  may  be  triumphant  who  rebel, 
To  bind  their  country  in  the  chains  of  Hell !" 

Now  from  that  picture  turn  to  look  on  this, 
And  change  your  plaudits  to  a  scathing  hiss : 
The  merchants  and  the  money-changers  sit 
In  conclave,  and  each  face  with  joy  is  lit, 
As  they  repeat :  "  America  is  dead 
If  but  the  traitors'  hopes  be  duly  fed ; 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  65 

We'll  cheer  them  on  with  expectations  high, 
Till  North  and  South  in  common  ruin  lie; 
The  hated  rivalry  will  then  be  o'er, 
And  streams  of  trade  for  us  alone  will  pour." 
By  words  like  these,  by  every  grin  they  say 
They  are  prepared,  for  an  assassin's  pay, 
To  bring  on  thirty  millions  of  their  race, 
And  generations  yet  to  take  their  place, 
The  wretchedness,  and  guilt,  and  woe, 
Which  mark  a  mighty  nation's  overthrow. 

And  now  the  lordlings  and  their  toadies  see ; 
Oh,  how  they  rub  their  little  hands  in  glee ! 
In  every  breast  a  baby-joy  is  nursed, 
Because  they  fancy  that  the  "  Bubble's  burst." 
It  was  a  dreadful  thing  to  think  about, 
When  the  Republic  seemed  so  hale  and  stout ; 
'Twas  greatly  to  be  feared  that  all  the  world 
In  topsy-turvy  jumble  would  be  whirled, 
And  this  atrocious  principle  find  pla,ce, 
That  all  mankind  are  of  the  human  race. 
And  then  no  more  a  little  vicious  dunce, 
Whose  family  was  justly  honored  once, 
Would  be  permitted,  as  a  crouching  cur, 
To  treat  a  hero,  or  philosopher; 
But  this  assault  upon  the  Union's  life, 
These  welcome  scenes  of  fratricidal  strife, 
Allay  the  fear  that,  over  all  the  earth, 
Men  will  be  held  at  what  themselves  are  worth. 
5 


66  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

But  here ;  what  men  are  these  ?     By  birth  they  stand 
As  citizens  of  this  afflicted  land, 
And  far  from  Slavery's  soul-polluting  air, 
They  reaped  the  blessings  of  parental  care. 
The  truth  was  shown  them  in  ten  thousand  lights, 
That  human  beings  all  have  sacred  rights ; 
And  yet,  since  first  the  fearful  strife  began, 
To  save  the  Government  that  honors  man, 
They  have  revealed  the  union  of  their  hearts 
With  Slavery's  lords,  whose  secret,  fiendish  arts, 
A  tyranny  on  freedom's  wreck  to  raise, 
Now  show  their  fruits  in  war's  appalling  blaze. 

When  patriots  victoriously  fight, 
And  loyal  hearts  are  swelling  with  delight, 
In  look  and  tone  ill-natured,  crabbed,  cross, 
They  talk  of  nothing  but  the  "  frightful  loss ;" 
But  when  the  traitors  their  successes  win, 
The  trouble  is  in  keeping  down  a  grin ; 
While  gladness  sparkles  in  their  snaky  eyes, 
They  set  their  lungs  at  heaving  long-drawn  sighs, 
And  speak  to  every  man  upon  the  street 
About  the  "  crushing,  terrible  defeat." 
With  not  a  word  of  censure  for  our  foes, 
They  harp  incessantly  upon  the  woes 
Which  in  the  train  of  war  the  land  befall, 
And  charge  on  Northern  men  the  blame  for  all. 
The  Government  for  every  act  they  curse, 
And  hold  that  Satan's  reign  could  not  be  worse. 
The  President,  to  save  the  nation's  life, 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  67 

Will  let  oppression  perish  in  the  strife, 
And  sooty  Africans  in  arms  will  see, 
That  white  Americans  may  still  be  free ; 
He  therefore  is  the  object  of  their  hate, 
A  monster,  tyrant,  fool,  and  reprobate. 
When  but  a  portion  of  the  power  he  wields 
The  Constitution  for  the  crisis  yields, 
And  'tis  not  safe  in  treason  to  engage, 
Oh !  how  these  worshippers  of  slavery  rage. 
"  A  blow  is  struck  at  liberty,"  they  cry  ; 
"  We'll  not  endure  it ;  we'll  be  free  or  die." 
Made  senseless  by  their  hated  of  the  Right, 
Against  the  facts  that  glow  in  noonday  light, 
They  swear  that  now,  all  over  this  free  land, 
Grim  Tyranny  has  stretched  his  iron  hand. 
Their  orators  with  boundless  license  screech 
About  "  Departed  liberty  of  speech," 
Too  mad  to  see,  what  meets  the  dullest  eye, 
That  all  such  ranting  gives  itself  the  lie. 

Now  that  America  has  bought  with  blood 
The  power  to  stem  Secession's  roaring  flood, — 
Now  that  she  numbers  with  her  martyred  ones 
Three  hundred  thousand  of  her  noblest  sons, 
And  need  but  make  one  earnest  effort  more, 
To  strike  gigantic  treason  to  the  core, 
And  gain  a  footing  on  the  solid  rock 
That  gives  no  token  of  the  mightiest  shock, 
These  men,  quite  frantic  at  so  near  a  view 
Of  that  result  implored  by  all  the  true, 


C8  LIBERTY'S    ORDEAL. 

With  deafening  clamors,  are  demanding  peace, 
Well  knowing  that,  if  now  the  contest  cease, 
Their  country's  foes  will  have  unbounded  sway, 
And  all  her  friends  must  slavishly  obey. 

To  give  a  color  to  their  deeds  of  shame, 
Of  "  Democrat"  they  steal  the  honored  name. 
The  men  whom  traitor-hating  Jackson's  frown 
To  quiv'ring  suppliants  would  wither  down ; 
Who  treat  those  truths  with  scoffing,  and  despite, 
Which  dying  Douglas  uttered  for  the  Right ; 
Who  fain  with  poisoned  arrows  would  transfix 
Such  men  as  Butler,  Stanton,  Holt,  and  Dix, 
And  would  rejoice  to  lay  beneath  the  sod 
All  men  like  Dickinson,  and  Brough,  and  Tod ; 
Who  are  opposing  with  their  utmost  might 
The  myriads  of  Democrats  who  fight, 
That  true  Democracy  may  live  on  earth 
Till  all  mankind  shall  understand  its  worth, — 
These  are  the  Democrats !     O,  are  there  fools 
Whom  that  high  name  can  make  their  supple  tools  ? 

What  would  these  men  ?     What  is  their  real  aim  ? 
The  passions  of  the  base  they  would  inflame, 
The  ignorant  mislead  with  specious  lies, 
And  thus  procure  a  traitor  force  to  rise, 
And  governmental  power  annihilate 
Within  the  borders  of  each  loyal  State ; 
To  save  the  rebel  chiefs  from  overthrow, 
They  would  have  Northern  blood  in  torrents  flow  ; 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  69 


This  dire  alternative  they  would  present, — 
To  see  the  downfall  of  the  Government, 
And  bid  the  traitors  work  their  hellish  will 
Or  all  the  North  with  scenes  of  carnage  fill. 
No  baseness  wears  for  them  too  foul  a  face, 
But,  with  a  hot  affection,  they  embrace 
Whatever  with  their  final  aim  accords, 
To  be  the  lickspittles  of  Southern  lords. 


70  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


XVI. 

MY  countrymen !  shall  villany  prevail  ? 
In  this  dread  strife  shall  the  Republic  fail  ? 
Shall  perjured  murderers,  triumphant,  reign 
O'er  all  our  loved  America's  domain  ? 
Shall  we  acknowledge  them  our  rightful  lords, 
And  watch  with  trembling  for  their  lightest  words  ? 
Shall  Liberty  forsake  our  conquered  land, 
And  Slavery's  night  on  every  side  expand  ? 
Shall  wrong,  descending  from  the  mount  of  power, 
With  widening  sweep  flow  on  from  hour  to  hour, 
Till  all  the  land  beneath  its  waves  shall  lie, 
And  men  shall  cease  to  dream  of  aught  that's  high  ? 
Shall  it  be  said,  in  ages  yet  to  be, 
"The  peoples  of  the  earth  might  now  be  free, 
Had  Northern  men,  in  that  decisive  day, 
Not  basely  thrown  their  manliness  away  ?" 

O,  blessed  be  thy  name,  Eternal  God ! 
Though  hard  to  bear  is  thy  correcting  rod, 
We  yet  may  hope  that  from  the  Throne  above 
The  fruits  will  fall  of  Thy  paternal  love. 
That  spirit  which  heroic  aims  imparts, 
Is  mightily  at  work  in  human  hearts, 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  71 

And  steadily,  as  heavenly  orbs  revolve, 

Extends  and  grows  in  strength  the  high  resolve, 

Whate'er  the  cost,  whate'cr  the  certain  pain, 

The  Union,  in  its  wholeness,  to  maintain ; 

While  plaintive  moans  and  sharp,  distressful  cries 

From  all  the  regions  of  Rebellion  rise,  4 

Betokening  a  fearful  day  at  hand, 

When  traitor-chiefs  as  criminals  shall  stand, 

With  all  the  blackness  of  their  souls  in  view, 

Before  the  men  who  once  believed  them  true.         • 

O,  who  will  let  the  golden  hours  go  by, 
And  opportunities  forever  fly, 
In  this  stupendous  work  to  bear  a  part, 
And  wake  a  deathless  songster  in  his  heart? 
O,  let  our  souls  the  bands  of  slumber  break, 
And  of  our  privilege  the  measure  take ; 
A  crisis  all  momentous  to  mankind 
Invites  the  energy  of  every  mind, 
And  bids  affection,  with  its  richest  glow, 
From  all  the  fountains  of  the  spirit  flow. 
To  countless  millions  will  this  contest  seal 
A  wretched  fate,  or  everlasting  weal. 

Disciples  of  the  Crucified !     Behold 
Oppression  striding  on,  with  visage  bold, 
Your  Master's  Gospel  underfoot  to  tread, 
And  crush  the  truths  on  which  your  souls  have  fed. 
O,  all  ye  men,  and  women  who  would  grieve 
If  truth  and  righteousness  this  world  should  leave ; 


72  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

All  ye  who  prize  the  welfare  of  your  race ; 

All  ye  who  recoguize  a  God  of  grace ; 

Put  forth  your  power,  and  lift  your  prayers  on  high, 

Till  treason,  vanquished,  from  the  land  shall  fly. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 


PART  SEGOND. 


I. 


'Tis  Independence  Day  in  'Sixty-three ; 
The  fields  are  basking  in  a  tranquil  sea 
Of  golden  light.     Sweet  silence  has  control : 
All  nature's  wooing  to  repose  of  soul. 
And  yet  our  souls  repose  not,  but  a  strange 
Commingling,  and  a  rapid,  ceaseless  change 
Of  thoughts  and  heart-stirs  set  at  naught  the  force 
Which  erst  could  flow  with  unobstructed  course. 

July  the  Fourth !  our  nation's  day  of  days ! 
The  name  pronounced,  emerging  from  the  haze 
Of  generations  gone,  all  glowing,  stand 
In  Independence  Hall  the  peerless  band. 
The  Declaration  bears  the  name  of  each, 
And  thoughts,  which  know  the  impotence  of  speech, 
On  massive  brows  present  their  swelling  lines, 
And  kindle  in  all  eyes  their  blazing  signs. 
One  face  reveals  the  joy  from  visions  caught 
Of  weal  for  men  of  distant  ages  bought ; 


76  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Here,  braced  and  nerved,  is  one  who  sees  the  hour 
Of  final  strife  with  haughty  Britain's  power ; 
Those  eyes  reveal,  by  their  unearthly  light, 
A  soul  reposing  on  celestial  might ; 
And  all  stand  forth  with  that  heroic  mien, — 
That  majesty — which  only  then  is  seen, 
When  men  are  wholly  offered  for  the  Right, 
And  fortune,  life,  and  sacred  honor  plight. 

O,  Independence !     Gushing  from  that  word, 
Is  music  sweet  as  mortal  ever  heard. 
America,  cut  loose  from  all  the  clogs, 
And  bursting  from  the  dank  and  stifling  fogs 
Of  senseless  forms,  stupidities  revered, 
And  customs  worshipped  though  with  guilt  besmeared  ! 
No  more  at  privilege  of  rank  to  cower, 
Or  tremble  at  the  balancing  of  power, 
But  independent  on  her  way  to  move, 
Inviting  each  his  proper  worth  to  prove, 
And  making  sure  to  truth  and  righteousness 
The  free  unfolding  of  their  power  to  bless ! 

May  not  her  glory  soon  become  a  shame, 
And  Independence  a  derided  name  ? 
So  they  believe,  who,  with  malignant  eyes, 
Have  seen  the  fabric  of  her  greatness  rise. 
With  shouts  of  exultation,  they  behold 
The  gory  tide  of  battle  northward  rolled, 
And  in  the  vales  of  Pennsylvania  see 
The  ruthless  ravage  of  the  hordes  of  Lee. 


77 


Their  fancies  hurry  on,  to  name  the  day 
When  Washington  will  own  the  rebel  sway, 
And  all  the  foes  of  Liberty  will  cry, 
"  So  shamefully  let  all  republics  die." 

May  not  the  ground  be  firm  on  which  they  build  ? 
May  not  their  hopes  be  speedily  fulfilled  ? 
O  no !  O,  righteous  heavenly  Father,  no ! 
Thou  wilt  not  crush  mankind  with  such  a  blow. 
The  fate  is  merited,  but  Thou'lt  forbear ; 
O,  Thou  art  merciful,  and  Thou  wilt  spare. 


78  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 


II. 


ALONE,  with  anxious  brow,  the  President 
Observes  the  opening  door.     His  eyes  are  bent 
Upon  a  missive  brought ;  he  turns  away, 
And  something  says,  "  The  comer  must  not  stay." 
O,  let  the  broad  breast  heave,  and  waters  rise 
From  heart-recess,  to  cool  the  burning  eyes. 
Composure  comes,  and  peace  unknown  before, 
For,  while  he  reads  the  missive  o'er,  and  o'er, 
A  spirit  seems,  in  whisperings,  to  tell 
That  near  the  mighty  river  all  is  well. 

A  joyful  purpose  gleams  in  Lincoln's  eyes — 
"  Yes,  yes,"  he  says,  "  before  a  moment  flies, 
This  peace  of  soul  with  lightning-speed  must  flow, 
That  millions  may  its  heavenly  sweetness  know." 
And  now  he  speaks  to  us  of  condolence 
For  gallant  ones  laid  low  in  our  defence ; 
And  now,  in  tones  subdued,  a  truth  imparts, 
Which  wakes  to  hope  serene  our  softened  hearts ; 
Then  points  our  spirits  to  the  Throne  above, 
And  bids  us  ne'er  forget  the  Father's  love. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  79 

His  vision  seems  to  catch  unearthly  power, 
Each  word  he  speaks  so  well  befits  the  hour. 
We're  on  the  field  of  Gettysburg.     Behold 
The  shroud  of  smoke  above  the  mountain  rolled, 
And,  deluged  with  the  cloudless  noonday's  light, 
The  ground  which  felt  the  surgings  of  the  fight. 
For  condolence  this  is  the  hour  indeed ; 
O,  here  the  heart  of  adamant  might  bleed ! 
Before  you,  on  the  left,  and  on  the  right, 
To  utmost  limit  of  defining  sight, 
Mid  fallen  steeds,  and  caissons  overthrown, 
And  flags,  and  guns,  in  wild  disorder  strown, 
The  prostrate  bodies  of  your  brothers  slain 
Resistlessly  your  aching  eyes  enchain. 

Here,  at  your  feet,  upon  his  side  is  cast 
A  youthful  father.     When  he  breathed  his  last 
His  arm  was  curved,  as  if  it  fondly  pressed 
The  bright-eyed  prattler  to  his  manly  breast. 

There  lies  a  boy,  as  if  he  rested  now 
That  head  with  glossy  curls,  and  marble  brow, 
Upon  a  mother's  lap,  and  gave  his  soul, 
In  dreamy  bliss,  to  love's  benign  control. 

And  there's  a  strong-framed  youth,  whose  visage-lines 
Of  thought  and  daring  are  the  patent  signs ; 
A  youth  to  plan,  and  plans  to  carry  out ; 
A  youth  whom  one  could  lean  upon,  no  doubt. 
When,  but  a  moment  since,  his  spirit  fled, 
"  My  parents  will  be  childless  now,"  he  said. 


80 


LIBERTY  S    ORDEAL. 


O,  see  that  death-grasp  on  the  picture  there ! 
It  is  a  maiden.     She  is  passing  fair. 
Ah !  weep,  poor  girl,  weep  till  your  eyes  are  dim ; 
It  would  be  wicked  not  to  mourn  for  him. 

But  there,  beyond !     O,  what  a  heavenly  light 
That  visage  caught  before  the  spirit's  flight ! 
You  bend  your  steps  among  the  dead,  and  look ; 
Beside  his  face  there  lies  an  open  book, 
And,  where  the  bloody  finger-traces  lead, 
"  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,"  you  can  read. 

As  now  your  vision  sweeps  the  field  again, 
Your  heart  is  saying  :  "  Thus  my  fellow-men, 
On  these  declivities,  and  o'er  that  plain, 
Are  thickly  lying,  mercilessly  slain. 
O  God  !  Thy  balm  for  wounded  hearts  prepare, 
For  cruelly  the  rooted  ties  must  tear 
When  souls  they  cling  to  can  no  longer  stay, 
But  with  a  start  so  sudden  burst  away. 
Around  the  gray-haired  parent  cast  Thine  arm ; 
The  widow,  and  the  orphan,  shield  from  harm ; 
On  sister,  and  affianced  maid,  bestow 
The  peace  which  Thou  alone  canst  make  to  flow." 

Condoling  thus,  and  passing  round  the  hill, 
^"ew  scenes  your  heart  with  new  emotions  fill. 
Here  prostrate  forms,  though  not  bereft  of  life, 
Are  thickly  gathered  from  the  place  of  strife. 
The  smiles  of  fortitude  the  sufferers  wear 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  81 

But  poorly  help  the  spectacle  to  bear ; 

Each  bleeding  brow,  and  shattered  limb  can  smite 

Your  inmost  being  with  a  giant's  might. 

You  turn,  from  these  distressful  sights  to  shrink, 
But  then  of  manhood's  high  requirements  think, 
And  soon  in  deeds  your  pity  finds  relief, 
And  active  love  is  sweetening  your  grief; 
With  energy  you  never  knew  before 
You  work,  and  work,  till  you  can  work  no  more. 

A  tree,  which  crowns  the  summit  of  a  hill, 
Lets  fall  a  cooling  shade  from  branches  still, 
While  you  recline  there  with  a  heart  at  ease, 
And  whisper  to  yourself  in  words  like  these  : 
"  'Tis  dark  enough,  and  yet  not  wholly  dark ; 
The  train  of  war  some  spots  of  brightness  mark; 
To  make  no  mention  of  the  noble  zeal 
Which  proffers  life  for  the  Republic's  weal, 
Nor  yet  to  speak  of  traits  that  spring  to  light 
Amid  the  roar,  and  crashing  of  the  fight, 
What  I  have  witnessed  in  those  wounded  men 
Has  brought  such  nobleness  within  my  ken, 
That  I  shall  henceforth  discipline  my  mind 
To  think  more  hopefully  of  all  my  kind, 
And  nevermore  a  doubt  will  entertain 
That  lands  may  prosper  where  no  monarchs  reign. 
Such  thoughtlessness  of  self!  such  words  of  love 
To  friends  at  home,  and  Him  who  rules  above ! 
Such  quenchless  ardor  in  the  Union's  cause, 
6 


82  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

And  loyal  reverence  for  her  righteous  laws  ! 
The  brightness  there,  until  my  latest  day, 
Will  cast  a  mellow  cheer  along  my  way. 

"  And  then,  what  gain  that  I  can  justly  prize 
Those  angel  women,  with  their  tender  eyes ! 
So  lovingly  they  gave  the  cordials  out ; 
With  such  a  gentle  swiftness  moved  about ;     * 
Each  need  their  eyes  so  readily  discerned  ; 
Relief  so  quickly  came  where'er  they  turned ; 
Their  presence  caused  such  thankful  smiles  to  rise, 
I  almost  thought  them  natives  of  the  skies. 
And  I  remember  now  that  everywhere 
I've  seen  the  proofs  of  loyal  woman's  care 
For  those  who  come,  the  fiery  storms  to  breast, 
That  once  again  their  country  may  have  rest." 


LIBERTY  S    OKDEAL. 


III. 

AMID  these  thoughts  you  hear  a  sudden  rush, 
And  horsemen,  bursting  through  the  underbrush, 
Are  at  your  side,  and  swinging  to  the  ground, 
And  one  exclaims,  as,  with  a  forward  bound, 
He  gathers  all  the  prospect  in  his  eyes, 
"  Yes ;  here  the  field  in  all  its  glory  lies. 
O,  here's  the  spot  where  Treason  got  the  blow 
Which  laid  her  hopes  and  high  pretensions  low. 

"  Far  onward,  at  the  left,  that  wooded  height 
Was  honored  with  the  opening  of  the  fight. 
There  Wadsworth  found  the  rebels  in  his  way, 
And,  with  a  zeal  which  could  not  brook  delay, 
He  bade  his  guns  and  musketry  begin 
Their  judgment-call,  and  treason-dooming  din. 
And  there  rode  out,  upon  that  open  space, 
A  soldier  peerless  for  his  manly  grace. 
'Twas  Wadsworth's  chief;  'twas  Reynolds,  with  that  eye, 
Which,  better  than  another's,  could  descry 
The  ground  where  patriots  might  firmest  stand, 
And  best  their  country's  thunderbolts  command. 
But  O,  that  bearing  high !     It  showed  the  foe 
Where  Freedom  could  receive  the  direst  blow : 


84  LIUERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

A  hundred  rifles  moved  at  Slavery's  will, 
And  Reynolds  lay  there  motionless,  and  still. 

"  But  Wadsworth  faltered  not,  and  Doubleday, 
Directing  then  the  patriot  array, 
Brought  forces  to  his  left,  while  Robinson, 
Upon  his  right,  a  gallant  band  led  on. 
They  pressed  against  the  storm,  until  they  stood 
There,  at  the  upper  margin  of  the  wood. 
'  This  hill,'  said  they,  '  is  better  than  the  plain : 
Here  will  we  stand ;  here  best  we  shall  remain.' 
And  there  they  did  remain  for  glorious  hours, 
And  seemed  endowed  with  superhuman  powers, 
Against  that  host  to  make  their  purpose  good: 
Shock  after  shock,  they  stubbornly  withstood, 
Till  Howard's  corps,  at  length,  came  rushing  down 
Upon  their  right  there,  straight  beyond  the  town. 

"  In  those  men's  care  was  ringing  then  a  name 
Which  marks  the  soldier  for  consuming  shame ; 
And,  when  they  heard  the  uproar  of  the  fight, 
Their  eyes  were  kindled  with  a  fierce  delight. 
They  reached  the  spot  assigned,  and  formed,  and  dressed, 
With  muscles  braced,  knit  brows,  and  lips  compressed — 
Disgrace  was  changed  to  glory.     Nevermore 
Shall  blushes  rise  for  the  Eleventh  Corps — 
With  twice  their  number,  like  a  raging  flood, 
Came  Ewell's  madmen,  panting  for  their  blood. 
With  bayonets  in  poise  they  rushed,  and  yelled ; 
But  like  a  wall  their  ground  the  patriots  held. 


LIBERTY  S    ORDEAJ,.  85 

The  masters  of  the  wrath  with  which  they  flamed, 
They  loaded  swiftly,  and  they  surely  aimed. 
The  fierce  assailants  stumbled  o'er  their  dead; 
They -looked;  they  turned;  in  wild  confusion  fled. 
Again  their  line  was  formed,  and  forward  moved — 
Vain,  as  before,  the  furious  onslaught  proved. 

"But  now  the  sun  was  low,  and  Howard  said, 
'  Most  gallantly,  my  heroes,  you  have  led 
In  this  great  conflict ;  but  I  plainly  see 
That  night  is  in  advance  of  victory, 
For  Providence  has  singled  out  this  field 
Of  Freedom's  fate  a  prophecy  to  yield. 
We'll  choose  a  place  then  for  to-morrow's  fight, 
With  ample  room,  upon  our  left,  and  right, 
For  all  our  brothers,  who  with  eager  haste 
Are  asking  where  the  traitors  may  be  faced.' 

"  While  thick  around  the  deadly  missiles  flew, 
With  steadiness  the  patriots  withdrew, 
And  seized,  according  to  the  wise  design, 
The  centre  of  this  ridgy  crescent  line. 
The  twilight  soon  was  gone,  and  well  content 
With  all  the  lot  which  Providence  had  sent ; 
Self-praise,  and  hope  assured  in  every  breast, 
Beneath  the  smiling  stars  we  courted  rest. 
It  was  a  valor-breathing  sleep  we  slept : 
As  through  our  joints  the  grateful  stupor  crept, 
Our  drowsy  sense  was  of  the  rumbling  wheel, 
Of  tramping  myriads,  and  of  clatt'ring  steel, 


86  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

With  here  and  there  a  low,  decisive  voice ; 
And  dreams  of  growing  power  made  us  rejoice 
Through  all  that  night. 

— "  At  morn  we  looked  around, 
And  facts  more  cheering  than  our  visions  found  : 
Along  that  farthest  ridge,  upon  our  right 
Were  Slocum's  thousands,  marshalled  for  the  fight. 
Next  on  his  left  was  Newton's  corps  arrayed ; 
Then  Howard's  proud  battalions  were  displayed ; 
And  next  was  Hancock's  portion  of  the  field ; 
And  farther  still  acclaims  of  greeting  pealed 
As  Sickles  passed  along  his  threat'ning  line ; 
And  still  beyond,  where  trees  the  view  confine, 
The  veterans  of  Sykes,  with  practised  eyes, 
Were  watching  for  the  battle-signs  to  rise. 
On  every  height,  commanding  each  ravine, 
The  brazen  ministers  of  death  were  seen, 
Their  crushing  globes  made  ready  at  their  sides, 
And  guided  for  the  strife  their  stalwart  guides. 

"  We  waited  for  the  onset,  till  the  sun 
His  journey  from  the  summit  had  begun ; 
But  still  it  was  delayed.     At  times  the  sound 
Of  musketry  would  draw  our  gaze  around 
To  left  or  right,  then  stillness  would  ensue. 
At  length  a  jet  of  smoke  !     A  challenge  flew 
Above  the  town,  and  over  Hancock's  men, 
Who  stood  with  Howard's  near  those  grave-stones  then. 
As  quick  as  thought,  0,  what  a  tempest  broke ! 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  87 

All  Cemetery  Hill  was  wrapped  in  smoke 
That  rolled  out  blood-hue  from  the  flash  on  flash, 
And  quaked,  with  unremitting  roar  and  crash, 
While  shrieked  the  flying,  burst  the  fallen  shell, 
And  all  around  our  gallant  soldiers  fell. 

"  That  storm  raged  on  .two  hours — just  at  its  close, 
Emerging  from  that  western  wood,  our  foes 
Approached  our  left, — a  dark,  portentous  cloud, — 
Mass  after  mass,  with  furious  mien  they  crowd. 
Along  their  front  the  smoke  begins  to  pour. 
The  crackling  sound  becomes  a  ceaseless  roar. 
Now  Sickles  faces  them ;  rage  answers  rage ; 
But  too  unequal  is  the  strife  we  wage. 
Alas !  our  heroes  are  compelled  to  yield, 
And  Sickles  must  be  carried  from  the  field. 
On  rush  the  foe,  with  yells  that  fill  the  air ; 
But  Meade  is  near  us ;  Meade  is  everywhere : 
The  band  of  Sykes  are  brought  up  from  the  left, 
And  leap  with  joy  into  the  fiery  cleft, 
And  Hancock's  patriots,  plunging  from  the  right, 
Make  more  terrific,  the  terrific  fight. 
But  rebel  columns  still  on  columns  press ; 
Though  thousands  fall,  their  number  seems  no  less ; 
From  Newton's  line  Meade  hurries  down  a  force ; 
But  this  does  not  undam  the  battle's  course. 

"  You  should  have  seen  the  sight  which  I  saw  then : 
'Twas  Sedgwick,  with  his  weary,  foot-sore  men. 
A  day  and  night,  and  yet  another  day, 


88  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Those  heroes  have  been  hastening  on  their  way. 
They  see  how  stands  the  undecided  fight ; 
Their  eyes  blaze  up  with  patriotic  light ; 
'  Thank  God !  Thank  God !'  they  cry, '  we're  not  too  late ;' 
Their  knapsacks  drop ;  for  Sedgwick's  voice  they  wait ; 
'  Go  forward  now !'  he  shouts,  and  on  they  rush ; 
They  reach  the  foe ;  the  bristling  line  they  crush ; 
The  day  is  ours ;  the  matchless  battle's  won ; 
Across  the  plain  the  routed  rebels  run. 


"  Our  shouts  were  sounding  still,  when,  at  the  right, 
We  heard  the  tumult  of  another  fight. 
The  line  of  Howard  Swell's  men  assailed, 
To  madness  wrought  since  Hill  and  Longstreet  failed. 
They  swept  our  forces  from  that  forward  knoll, 
And  down  the  slope  the  flood  began  to  roll. 
It  was  the  vale  of  death  to  which  they  pressed; 
Our  men  had  formed  upon  the  other  crest ; 
And  now  in  ghastly  swaths  the  rebels  fell 
Before  the  storm  of  canister  and  shell. 
More  furious  grew  the  tempest ;  Newton  sprang 
To  Slocum's  aid ;  the  call  of  Hancock  rang 
Once  more,  and  higher  still  our  hearts  were  strung, 
Till  back  the  decimated  foe  was  flung. 

"  Then  all  was  still ;  the  wearied  armies  slept, 
And  Pity  o'er  the  field  her  vigil  kept, 
Bewailing,  hour  on  hour,  the  wickedness 
Which  poured  that  whelming  deluge  of  distress. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  89 

"  But,  soon  as  morning  o'er  the  hill-tops  broke, 
With  strength  renewed,  the  battle-spirit  woke ; 
Where  last  the  fight  had  ceased,  it  opened  first; 
At  once  along  the  front  of  Slocum  burst, 
In  smoke  and  flame  of  thund'rous  cannonade, 
The  anger  of  America  betrayed. 
And  then  at  once,  with  wild,  demoniac  yell, 
Like  raving  legions  vomited  from  hell, 
Impelled  by  rage,  and  ruled  by  no  design, 
The  foe  sprang  up,  and  charged  our  blazing  line. 
Heroic  firmness,  reckless  fury  met ; 
As  flints  the  patriots  their  faces  set ; 
Unflinchingly  they  breasted,  six  long  hours, 
The  desp'rate  charges,  and  the  leaden  showers, 
Then  made  one  dash  upon  the  dense  array, 
And  swept  it  as  a  thing  of  naught  away. 

"  A  period  followed  of  expectant  rest ; 
The  rebel  leaders,  baffled  and  distressed, 
Were  forced  to  think  such  thoughts  as  made  them  quail ; 
Their  self-deluding  power  began  to  fail ; 
Hurled  back  at  every  onset  from  the  field, 
They  heard  the  frightful  question,  '  Must  we  yield  ? 
O,  what  a  fall  from  that  self-glorious  height, 
At  which  they  caught  the  prospect  of  the  fight ! 
Not,  after  all,  to  capture  Washington, 
And  thither  bring  their  great  dictator  on  ? 
To  nothingness  behold  the  vision  fade 
Of  European,  and  of  Northern  aid  ? 


90  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Give  up  ambitious  hopes,  and,  mid  the  wrecks, 
Continue  fighting  but  to  save  their  necks  ? 

"  Such  questionings  no  fruit  but  madness  bear. 
With  all  the  energy  of  fell  despair, 
Their  batteries  in  one  thick  mass  they  threw 
Before  our  central  line,  and  missiles  flew, 
With  horrid  screechings,  wildly  overhead, 
While  others  ploughed  those  chambers  of  the  dead, 
And  others  cut  broad  paths  among  our  men. 
No  words  can  picture  what  we  witnessed  then : 
Our  horses  fell ;  our  guns  were  overthrown ; 
The  wrecks  of  caissons  at  the  heavens  were  blown ; 
Our  other  guns,  to  tenfold  fury  wrought, 
Like  ministers  of  boundless  wrath  were  fought; 
They  breathed  out  heaving  clouds  of  fire  and  smoke, 
And  awful  was  the  voice  with  which  they  spoke. 

"  At  length  there  is  a  lull,  and  we  behold 
The  surging  masses  through  the  woodland  rolled. 
Straight  at  the  Cemetery  Hill  they  dash ; 
The  shrill-toned  musketry  begins  to  crash ; 
They  struggle  onward ;  now  they're  beaten  back, 
With  corpses  thickly  strewn  along  their  track. 
But  pressing  from  behind  are  myriads  more, 
And  on  they  come,  more  reckless  than  before ; 
Great  gaps  along  the  nearing  front  are  cleft ; 
And  filled  from  the  exhaustless  number  left. 
Their  rifles  levelled  at  our  cannoneers, 
The  hill  they  mount  with  loud,  exultant  cheers. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  91 

Alas !  all  guns  but  Cowan's  six  are  dumb, 
And  these  they  near, — with  rapid  strides  they  come ; 
'  Pour  in  the  canister !'  the  Captain  cries ; 
From  all  the  brazen  throats  the  volley  flies, 
And  limbless,  headless  trunks  a  barrier  form 
.  Too  hideous  for  human  foes  to  storm. 
'  They're  ours !'  Webb  shouts,  and  with  a  sudden  bound 
We  swoop  the  captive  thousands  from  the  ground. 

"  The  battle  ended  there.     Their  guns  awhile 
Snarled  out  denial,  in  the  rebel  style, 
But  soon  confessed  defeat,  and  slunk  away ; 
And  now,  this  glorious  Independence  Day, 
The  panic-stricken  host  are  fleeing  fast 
Along  the  vales  they  late  so  proudly  passed, 
While,  hanging  on  their  rear,  and  straggling  flanks, 
Our  cavalry  pluck  thousands  from  their  ranks." 

O,  friends,  did  not  the  President  say  well, 
Our  hearts jvith  grateful  reverence  should  swell? 
A  moment  leave  the  heaven-provided  scene, 
And  look  upon  the  things  that  might  have  been : 
The  Union  army  crushed ;  the  victory 
Of  Freedom's  foes  complete ;  the  traitors  free 
To  work  their  will, — destroying  rage  to  pour 
On  Philadelphia,  or  on  Baltimore ; 
The  nation's  capital  beneath  their  feet, 
And  there  erected  Treason's  central  seat ; 
Oppression's  Northern  lovers  undisguised, 
And  all  the  timid  loyal  paralyzed ; 


92  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

In  Europe  sounding  the  exultant  roar, 
"  Rejoice !  the  Great  Republic  is  no  more." 
O,  shall  we  ever  cease  that  God  to  praise, 
Who,  in  the  hearts  of  patriots,  did  raise 
The  moveless  barrier  which  stopped  the  flow 
Of  such  a  desolating  tide  of  woe  ? 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  03 


IV. 

NOR  here  alone,  this  glorious  day,  expand 
The  rays  of  heavenly  favor  on  our  land. 
Another  rebel  army,  in  dismay, 
With  all  that  hinders  flight  bestrew  the  way, 
Regardful,  in  their  headlong  course,  of  naught 
But  distance  from  the  Helena  they  sought. 
Once  more  to  failure  foolish  Price  has  led, 
And  lips  are  cursing  noAV  his  hoary  head 
Which,  yesterday,  were  clam'rous  with  the  vaunt 
Of  shutting  off  the  stream  of  life  from  Grant. 
In  Prentiss,  and  his  men,  the  spirit  stirred, 
And  now  their  shouts  of  victory  are  heard. 

But  here,  behold !     Is  this  a  real  sight  ? 
The  Union  banner  waving  o'er  that  height  ? 
In  Vicksburg's  heart  that  column  clad  in  blue  ? — 
Those  patriotic  shouts  ?     0,  is  it  true  ? 
This  too  the  gracious  Father  lets  us  see, 
On  Independence  Day,  in  'sixty-three. 
The  mighty  stronghold,  where  resounded  first, 
O'er  Mississippi's  tide,  the  voice  accursed, 
Which  bade  the  gentle  flow  of  commerce  cease; 
And  war's  alarms  displace  the  joys  of  peace ; 


94  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

Whose  batt'ricd  face  so  long,  with  horrid  frown, 

Has  looked  upon  the  wat'ry  mirror  down ; 

Whose  thick  embankments,  from  their  stations  high, 

Have  seemed  the  earth  and  heavens  to  defy ; 

On  which  all  traitor-hearts  their  hopes  have  stayed ; 

On  which  responsibility  was  laid, 

The  central  tract  of  Slavery's  realm  to  keep 

Secure  from  Freedom's  life-imparting  sweep, — 

That  stronghold  now  is  held  by  loyal  men, 

And  ne'er  shall  own  Secession's  rule  again. 

4 

"Pis  Logan's  boon  the  banner  first  to  plant ; 
But  all  rejoice  alike — Victorious  Grant 
Serenely  smiles.    McPherson,  Sherman,  Blair, 
And  Steel,  and  Ord,  and  Osterhaus  are  there, 
With  many  equals,  tasting  the  delight 
Of  faith  heroic  changed  at  last  to  sight. 
The  leader^  move  among  their  noble  bands, 
And  read  in  moistened  eyes,  and  waving  hands, 
The  love  which  men  in  fearful  trials  learn, 
And  which  their  hearts  abundantly  return. 

In  social  groups  they  cluster  everywhere, 
For  each  his  overflowing  joy  would  share. 
The  past,  they  knew  so  lavish  of  distress, 
Returns  to-day,  unstintingly  to  bless. 
The  stages  of  the  matchless  enterprise 
All  vividly  in  quick  succession  rise : 
The  dauntless  ardor  of  the  first  assault, 
By  Nature  foiled,  and  not  through  Sherman's  fault ; 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  95 

The  proof  that  new  attacks  in  front  were  rash ; 

The  brilliant  triumph  by  a  backward  dash ; 

Experiment  of  this  and  that  resource, 

To  tempt  the  mighty  river  from  his  course ; 

The  fruitless  arts,  by  bayou,  pass,  and  lake, 

Around  the  rugged  steeps  a  path  to  break ; 

The  readiness  of  brethren  of  the  wave 

The  thunders  of  the  batteries  to  brave ; 

The  southward  march ;  the  crossing  of  the  flood ; 

Port  Gibson  won  with  freely  offered  blood; 

The  daring  sev'rance  from  the  river-base; 

Excitement  of  the  battle-checkered  chase ; 

The  dash  on  Jackson,  and  the  rapid  whirl, 

The  battle-tempest  westwardly  to  hurl ; 

The  val'rous  deeds  at  Edward's  Depot  done ; 

The  traits  displayed  when  Champion's  Hill  was  won; 

The  driving  of  the  rebels  to  their  den ; 

The  noble  flood  saluted  once  again  ; 

The  fierce  assaults ;  the  mines,  and  countermines ; 

The  slow  contraction  of  the  doomful  lines — 

All  these  return,  inviting  joyful  speech, 

And  eloquence  to-day's  the  gift  of  each. 

And  here  the  consummation  is  at  last ; 
The  harvest  garnered ;  all  the  labor  past. 
These  fastnesses,  with  all  their  grim  array, 
From  Treason's  ruthless  grasp  are  snatched  away ; 
And  thirty  thousand  men  in  durance  stand, 
The  vanquished  foemen  of  their  native  land. 


96  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Rejoice,  heroic  patriots,  rejoice ! 
And  give  your  thankful  exultation  voice ; 
For  millions  wait  to  lift  the  high  acclaim, 
And  marshal  you  to  courts  of  deathless  fame. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  97 


V. 

THAT  day  of  wonders  led  a  shining  train, 
Which  proved  that  hearts  o'erjoyed  new  joy  could  gain. 
But  five  times  had  the  earth  revolved  when  Banks, 
For  conqu'ring  valor,  gave  his  heroes  thanks. 
Port  Hudson  ours !     The  Mississippi  free, 
From  farthest  spring  to  union  with  the  sea ! 
The  badge  of  Treason  from  his  presence  hurled, 
And  in  its  place  the  starry  flag  unfurled ! 
Didst  thou  not  leap,  old  River,  at  the  sight, 
And  feel  a  flash  of  infinite  delight 
Along  thy  continent-embracing  course? 
'Twas  hellish  on  thy  loyal  breast  to  force 
The  traitor's  office.     That  abasement's  o'er ; 
To  thine  America  thou  canst  once  more 
Be  true  henceforth ;  on  thy  majestic  tide, 
With  none  to  stay,  shall  her  defenders  ride, 
And  thou  shalt  feel  her  blessed  spirit  go 
In  even  pace  with  thine  eternal  flow, 
Dissolving  chains,  and  breathing  heavenly  fire, 
And  lovingly  exhorting,  "  Go  up  higher." 

The  cup  was  not  yet  full — 'Twas  ours  to  hear 
Of  victories  the  treason-cradle  near ; 
7 


98  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

The  forts  of  Charleston  earnest  Gillmore  faced, 

In  stern  array  his  dreadful  engines  placed. 

Not  swift  his  march,  but  like  approach  of  doom, 

And  mortal  foes  could  not  deny  him  room : 

Brief  time  their  Gregg  and  Wagner  could  they  keep ; 

And  Sumter  lay  a-  traitor-warning  heap. 

John  Morgan  started  gayly  on  a  ride, 
To  steal  some  clothes,  and  humble  Northern  pride ; 
But  found  full  soon  that  he  was  not  the  one 
To  do  such  deeds  as  Grierson  had  done, 
And  also  learned  the  people  of  the  land 
Did  not  approve  the  ride  which  he  had  planned. 
And,  when  it  took  such  unexpected  shape, 
This  way,  and  that,  he  bounded  to  escape  ; 
But  all  in  vain  he  dodged,  and  skulked,  and  fought: 
Himself  and  his  four  thousand  men  were  caught. 
Ohio's  soil,  as  prisoners,  they  trod, 
And  Shackleford  rode  onward  thanking  God. 

Then  came  a  victory  with  no  alloy 
To  tinge  the  gushing  current  of  its  joy. 
A  day  of  ecstasy  in  Tennessee  ! 
The  cruelly  enslaved  at  last  are  free. 
In  multitudes  they  pour  along  the  way ; 
They  shout,  they  weep,  in  broken  voice  they  pray 
That  Heaven  may  send  the  fulness  of  its  bliss, 
On  them  that  bring  deliverance  like  this. 
A  noble  State  is  nobly  freed  at  last, 
And  Treason  from  her  mountain  chains  is  cast. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  99 

A  frantic  frame  the  traitors  fitly  show, 
Compelled  the  overwhelming  facts  to  know ; — 
At  Knoxville  Burnside  unrestrained  commands ; 
And  Rosecrans  in  Chattanooga  stands. 
Their  chieftain,  skilled  in  coupling  oaths  with  lies, 
Profusely  swears  he'll  snatch  again  the  prize. 
'Tis  sadly,  true  he  may  cause  blood  to  flow, 
And  thus  increase  his  treasury  of  woe ; 
But,  thanks  to  God,  the  soil  of  Tennessee 
From  his  accursed  tyranny  is  free. 

Amid  the  days  that  with  such  radiance  shone, 
A  day  of  blackest  infamy  was  thrown : 
The  Empire  City  made  the  foul  display 
Of  Treason's  demon-multiplying  sway. 
Her  traitor-chiefs  had  diligently  wrought 
To  aid  the  foes  her  patriots  had  fought. 
While  these  were  bleeding  on  the  battle-field, 
Their  loved,  imperilled  Government  to  shield, 
That  very  moment,  at  the  hands  of  those, 
That  Government  received  the  fellest  blows. 
Incessantly  the  News,  Express,  and  World 
Envenomed  weapons  at  her  vitals  hurled. 
In  spacious  halls,  and  grog-shops  underground, 
Secession's  frantic  orators  were  found; 
And — shame  of  shames  ! — on  Independence  Day 
A  Governor  was  joined  to  their  array. 
The  fruit  was  ripened  soon ;  the  tree  was  known, 
And  Northern  treason  to  the  world  was  shown. 


100  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

I  will  not  paint  it.    Hideous  sight,  begone  ! 
Too  deep  already  are  thy  features  drawn 
In  every  memory.     A  raving  crowd, 
With  bloody  hands,  and  imprecations  loud, 
Around  an  Orphan  Home,  shall  henceforth  rise 
At  mention  of  the  men  who  sympathize 
With  braver  traitors,  and  emblazoned  there — 
"  'Tis  this,  Americans,  that  we  prepare." 

Far  more  than  weapons,  and  strong-sinewed  arms, 
These  men  contribute  for  their  country's  harms  : 
Their  words  to  her  embattled  foemen  fly, 
Reviving  hopes  just  on  the  point  to  die, 
Resolves  confirming  still  the  war  to  wage, 
And  reawaking  treasonable  rage ; 
While  Union  soldiers  feel  that  all  in  vain 
They  volunteer  to  lie  among  the  slain. 


LIBERTY  S    OKDEAL. 


VI. 

'Tis  thus  that  ceaselessly  to  Freedom's  foes 
A  tide  of  power  across  the  ocean  flows. 
No  frowning  Alabamas  could  be  sent 
So  potent  as  the  hopeful  courage  lent. 
O,  Englishmen  !  we  did  not  look  for  this. 
When  we  beheld  the  horrible  abyss 
Yawn  at  our  feet,  and  heard  from  the  Most  High 
The  summons,  "  Ye  who  would  regard  the  cry 
Of  millions  plunged  in  curable  distress, 
And  ye  who  heed  the  rules  of  righteousness, 
Now  save  your  country  from  an  overthrow 
Unmatched  on  earth  in  wickedness  and  woe," 
And  when  that  call  we  purposed  to  obey, 
And  on  the  sacred  altar  all  to  lay, 
We  thought  one  other  people  lived  on  earth 
Which  would  appreciate  the  ofFring's  worth. 
O,  could  you  know  how  in  these  latter  days 
Our  thoughts  had  channelled  out  their  fav'rite  ways ; 
How  gladly  we  believed  forever  gone 
The  enmity  from  old  dissensions  drawn ; 
With  what  delight  we  dwelt  upon  the  ties 
Unnumbered  which  from  boons  in  common  rise, 


102  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

And  of  a  future  dreamed,  when  firmly  bound 
America  and  Britain  would  be  found, 
With  Freedom's  banner  lifted  and  unfurled, 
Confronting  all  the  despots  of  the  world, 
You  would  not  think  our  indignation  strange 
On  waking  to  the  vision's  horrid  change. 

Ere  yet  one  blow  upon  our  country  fell, 
You  rushed  exultantly  to  ring  her  knell ; 
Your  government,  with  unexampled  haste, 
A  band  of  traitors  on  her  level  placed ; 
Your  moulders  of  opinion,  far  and  near, 
Bade  you  the  champions  of  Slavery  cheer ; 
Your  venal  Times,  intent  the  course  to  know 
Where  passion's  overwhelming  tide  would  flow, 
And  glad  to  find  it  on  the  side  of  wrong, 
With  frantic  gestures  marshalled  it  along  ; 
Your  demagogues  the  rare  occasion  caught, 
And  by  maligning  us  your  favor  bought. 
The  motives  we  unbosomed  at  the  Throne, 
Where  all  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  are  known, 
With  full  assurance  that  the  smile  divine 
Along  our  path  of  sacrifice  would  shine, 
We  saw  impugned  as  frivolous,  and  base, 
Unfit  in  human  hearts  to  hold  a  place. 

Might  not  these  things  impel  us  to  the  view 
That  all  your  high  pretensions  were  untrue  ? — 
A  windy  sham  the  antislavcry  zeal 
And  broad  good-will  which  you  professed  to  feel  ? 


LIBERTY'S   OKDEAL.  103 

Had  we  not  seeming  reason  to  declare 

That  Englishmen  too  low  a  manhood  share, 

The  loves  and  purposes  to  understand 

Which  animate  the  loyal  of  our  land  ? 

And,  when  our  countrymen  by  thousands  fell 

For  England's  sanction  of  the  cause  of  hell, 

Was  there  no  provocation  to  the  threat, 

That  swift  revenge  should  wipe  away  the  debt  ? 

And  yet  the  hasty  words  we  hasten  to  recall. 
Committed  with  the  right  to  stand  or  fall, 
And  having,  from  the  King  Supreme,  in  trust 
To  teach  the  world  a  people  can  be  just, 
'Tis  only  at  imperial  Duty's  voice 
That  war's  calamities  can  be  our  choice. 
And  God  forbid  that  punishment  should  fall, 
For  guilt  of  many,  on  the  heads  of  all. 
May  all  remembrance  cease  ere  we  forget 
The  sons  of  Britain  who  have  nobly  set 
Their  matchless  powers  against  the  noisy  tide 
Which  Slavery's  heartless  sympathizers  ride. 
The  lying  Times,  and  venomous  Reviews, 
Shall  make  us  fitly  prize  the  Star  and  Neios. 
The  injured  millions,  who,  if  not  deceived 
By  faithless  guides,  implicitly  believed, 
Their  prayers  importunate  our  cause  would  give, 
Shall  be  our  brothers  while  on  earth  we  live. 
For  titled  ones,  who  wish  our  country's  weal, 
Profound  respect  and  gratitude  we  feel. 
As  daily  at  the  mercy-seat  we  bend, 


104  LIBERTY'S   OBDEAL. 

Our  prayers  go  up  that  blessings  may  descend 
For  Britain's  Queen,  whose  purity  of  heart 
Secures  her  sympathy  to  Freedom's  part. 

And  they  who  honor  us  with  fiendish  hate, 
Because  we  hold,  that,  whether  small  or  great, 
A  human  being,  in  Jehovah's  sight, 
To  upward  courses  has  a  deathless  right, 
May  be  resigned  to  Retribution's  sweep, 
Whose  all-beholding  eyes  are  strange  to  sleep. 
The  day  speeds  on  when  England  will  permit 
No  bodied  baseness  on  her  heights  to  sit. 
Unrestingly  the  truth  which  we  maintain 
In  British  minds  will  widen  its  domain, 
Till  all  the  scaffoldings  of  scornful  birth 
Shall  fall  before  the  majesty  of  worth. 
By  this  consoling  faith  our  anger  cured, 
Of  future  union  for  the  Eight  assured, 
We  lift  our  eyes  from  all  the  wrongs  they  see, 
And  hail  with  joy  the  England  that  shall  be. 


LIBERTY'S   ORDEAL.  105 


VII. 

AND  what  of  France  ?     There  is  no  living  France. 
She  lies,  not  dead  indeed,  but  in  a  trance. 
What  hidden  thoughts  and  wishes  may  l»e  hers, 
We  cannot  know — she  speaks  no  word,  nor  stirs. 
How  sad  has  been  her  lot !     There  was  a  day 
When  all  her  manacles  were  cast  away, 
And  she  exhorted,  in  prophetic  glow, 
The  world  to  wake,  and  liberty  to  know. 
Of  nations  grandly  moving  to  the  van, 
She  joined  America  to  honor  man. 
But  O,  she  trampled  on  the  Crucified, 
And  all  allegiance  to  Heaven  denied. 
The  arm  Divine,  which  lovingly  upheld, 
With  insult  and  derision  was  repelled. 
The  bond  was  cut  that  bound  her  to  the  Throne, 
And  she  essayed  the  steep  ascent  alone. 
Her  fall  was  certain,  for  she  could  not  wield 
The  sceptre  of  Jehovah.     Down  she  reeled, 
And,  torn  by  legions  from  the  pit  set  free, 
She  fell,  and  floundered  in  a  bloody  sea. 
Then  she  was  bound  again,  and  then  her  chains 
Were  slightly  loosed,  and  lightened  were  her  pains. 


106  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

She  crept  along  the  bound  of  life  and  death, 
And  seemed  at  length  to  catch  a  freer  breath. 
Just  then  a  monster  came  before  her  face ; 
He  bowed,  and  leered,  with  hideous  grimace, 
Then  took  a  posture  for  a  tiger-spring, 
And  with  a  shriek  she  fell,  a  breathless  thing. 

Howe'er  the  cumulated  wrongs  may  mount, 
No  one  of  them  we'll  place  to  her  account ; 
Nor  shall  the  tyrant  force  us  to  forget 
The  France  of  old, — the  France  of  La  Fayette. 
That  he  should  task  his  diabolic  art, 
To  win  all  Europe  to  the  traitors'  part, 
And  force  a  pause  winch  should  their  triumph  mean, 
Was  that  which  easily  could  be  foreseen — 
Who  crushed  the  government  he  swore  to  save, 
A  much-confiding  people  to  enslave, 
And  butchered  in  cold  blood  a  helpless  throng, 
To  make  the  nation  feel  that  he  "was  strong: 
His  fiendish  sympathy  of  course  was  thrown 
Where  equal  guilt  proved  him  no  more  alone. 

An  Emperor  is  reigning,  in  these  days, 
Who  chooses  for  his  feet  imperial  ways. 
No  stench  of  perjury  surrounds  his  throne ; 
No  blood  of  women  at  its  base  is  shown. 
'Tis  founded  in  the  providence  of  God ; 
And  he  beholds,  attentive  to  his  nod, 
A  mighty  empire — Sixty  million  souls 
With  mastery  unchecked  his  will  controls. 


LIBERTY'S   ORDEAL.  107 

While  yet  afar  lie  saw  the  high  estate, 

And  trembled  for  the  mission's  awful  weight, 

His  spirit-ear  caught  whisperings  divine, 

And  he  resolved,  "  This  guidance  shall  be  mine," 

And  twenty  million  freedmen  now  attest 

The  keeping  of  the  consecration  blest ; 

While  clear  it  stands,  to  all  unclouded  eyes, 

That  far  below  him  common  kingship  lies, 

Since  champions  of  the  Republic  hear 

His  cordial  words  of  sympathy  and  cheer. 

God  bless  thee,  Alexander !     May  thy  clays 
Be  robed  in  peace,  and  heavenward  all  thy  ways. 
Such  glory's  offered  thee,  0,  favored  one, 
As  mortal  ne'er  possessed  beneath  the  sun. 
I  see  thee  leading  up  thy  countless  host 
Where  Freedom's  leavening  can  be  aided  most ; 
Discovering,  with  joy  no  words  can  paint, 
That  safety  grants  the  loosening  of  restraint ; 
Dispensing,  to  the  limit  of  thy  might, 
The  love  of  Truth,  and  fealty  to  Right, 
And  waking  expectation  of  the  day 
When  Russia  will  not  need  imperial  sway. 
The  mission  Providence  vouchsafes  to  thee, 
The  highest  angel  might  with  longing  see. 


108  LIBERTY'S   ORDEAL. 


VIII. 

WELL  knowing  that  we  battle  for  mankind, 
We  cannot  hear  with  unaffected  mind 
The  plaudits  uttered,  or  the  curses  hurled 
By  any  people  of  the  Christian  world. 
And  yet  we  have  not  needed  to  be  taught 
That  by  ourselves  this  battle  must  be  fought. 
We  bear,  with  no  desire  of  human  aid, 
The  high  necessity  upon  us  laid. 
Our  faith  in  God  permits  no  doubt  to  rise 
That  victory  is  our  allotted  prize ; 
But  we're  not  blind  to  forces  that  oppose — 
We  know  that  sin  and  folly  are  our  foes. 

The  love  of  Money,  as  the  child  of  Hell, 
Of  course  will  aid  while  slavery's  lords  rebel. 
When  it  was  known  the  Government  must  die, 
Or  food  and  clothing  for  defenders  buy, 
A  greedy  multitude  sprang  to  their  feet, 
With  rotten  shoddy,  and  with  tainted  meat, 
And  gladly  still,  for  swelling  of  their  gains, 
They  see  prolonged  their  bleeding  country's  pains. 
The  fear  of  taxes  in  some  little  souls, 
Each  aspiration,  and  attempt  controls  : 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  109 

The  frightful  prospect  of  a  dollar  lost 
Evokes  a  cry  for  "  Peace  at  any  cost." 

In  civil,  and  in  military  life, 
Are  high  officials  panting  in  the  strife 
For  filthy  lucre — that  their  only  care. 
Unmindful  of  the  sacred  trusts  they  bear, 
And  hindering  the  action  of  the  true, 
They  wake  to  life,  in  spirits  not  a  few, 
A  questioning  o'erladen  with  distress 
If  God  can  righteously  bestow  success. 

And  Cowardice,  all  quivering,  and  pale, 
Is  gasping  out — "  We  certainly  shall  fail. 
The  Southerners  are  terrible  to  fight, 
And,  though  we  know  the  Union  cause  is  right, 
We'd  better  give  it  up  than  all  get  killed, 
And  do  it  now,  before  more  blood  is  spilled." 
If  in  your  bosom  you  begin  to  feel 
That  soul-emasculating  spirit  steal, 
Consider  patiently  if  it  be  well 
To  aid  the  op'ning  of  the  "  Gates  of  Hell ;" 
Then  look  upon  your  brothers  as  they  stand 
Against  the  trait'rous  rage,  unwavering,  grand, 
Resolved  on  death,  or  a  triumphant  end, 
And,  in  the  light  of  contrast,  comprehend 
That  thing  so  despicable  every  way, — 
A  coward  in  America  to-day. 

Impatience,  too,  comes  flustering  in,  to  spoil 
The  slowly  ripening  fruits  of  anxious  toil. 


110  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

If  every  thing  is  not  performed  at  once, 

The  President's  a  villain  or  a  dunce. 

Of  time,  or  means,  no  need  is  recogni/ed, 

And  legal  hindrances  are  all  despised ; 

With  hosts  invincible,  an  act  of  will 

Is  held  enough  the  Southern  vales  to  fill ; 

And  it  is  thought  of  all  things  most  absurd, 

To  say  that  more  is  needed  than  a  word 

To  make  it  true,  and  have  creation  see 

That  all  the  bondmen  of  the  land  are  free. 

The  men  who  have  a  hobby-horse  to  ride, 
And  blind  themselves  to  every  thing  beside, 
At  all,  whom  various  interests  engage, 
Direct  the  violence  of  chronic  rage. 
Thus  Phillips,  turned  a  Mephistophiles, 
With  silver  bow,  and  gracefully  at  ease, 
Lets  fly,  in  turn,  at  all  the  chiefs  of  state, 
The  polished  arrows  of  a  smiling  hate ; 
And  thousands  thus  with  vehemence  contend 
Against  the  workers  of  their  only  end. 

And  now  Stolidity,  in  Wisdom's  chair, 
With  stately  tone,  and  magisterial  air, 
Repeats  the  rule,  from  which  he's  never  swerved — 
That  all  existing  things  must  be  conserved. 
'Tis  granted  that  the  traitors  are  to  blame, 
And  their  attempt  should  cover  them  with  shame ; 
But  when  you  recommend  the  only  blow 
Which  can  suffice  to  work  their  overthrow, 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  Ill 

Consent  Sir  Oracle  can  never  give — 

"  Why,  bless  me !  That  is  not  conservative."  - 

I've  heard  that,  on  a  time,  it  came  to  pass, 
A  wiseacre,  of  this  delightful  class, 
By  earnest  efforts  of  a  score  of  friends, 
Who  showed  the  patience  that  affection  lends, 
Attained,  at  last,  a  tolerable  sense 
Of  the  important  fact  of  difference, 
And  then  admitted  that  it  might  be  true 
To  some  old  things  no  reverence  was  due ; 
And,  while  religiously  some  were  conserved, 
For  death  of  some  all  spirits,  should  be  nerved. 
But  things  so  wondrous  are  extremely  rare ; 
And,  when  our  chief  Executive  shall  dare 
To  bid  an  old  iniquity  expire, 
He  must  expect  an  ululation  dire. 

Ye  mortals,  whom  absurdities  delight, 
A  rich  repast  these  men  afford  your  sight ; 
Behold  them  gaze,  with  reverential  tears, 
At  slavery's  edifice,  all  gray  with  years. 
While  throes  of  righteous  doom  upheave  the  ground, 
To  brace  the  cracking  walls  they  staddle  round ; 
In  very  deed  they're  marvellously  sage — 
Par  excellence,  the  donkeys  of  the  age  ! 

0,  yes !  the  venerable  sin  conserve ; 
Stand  firmly  to  your  props ;  strain  every  nerve. 
Let  not  the  land  be  stripped  of  Slavery's  charms : 
Let  babes  be  torn  from  shrieking  mothers'  arms ; 
Let  lacerated  maids  bow  down  to  lust ; 
Be  Bible  teachers  into  dungeons  thrust ; 
Let  strong-limbed  men,  begirt  with  bowie-knives, 


LIBERTY  S     ORDEAL. 

By  stealing  from  the  weak  sustain  their  lives. 

Let  all  those  millions  of  the  sons  of  God 

Still  crouch,  and  toil,  and  bleed  beneath  the  rod ; 

That  misery  conserve,  at  any  price, 

And,  O !  conserve  that  ignorance  and  vice. 

Let  not  the  aged  parent  of  our  -woe 

Be  murdered  by  her  self-inflicted  blow. 

Build  up,  with  votes,  a  high  defensive  wall ; 

Let  not  the  organized  damnation  fall ! 

Another  force  opposing  us  we  find, 
With  strength  of  sin  and  silliness  combined. 
'Tis  party  spirit.    Once  it  did  befall, 
That  with  a  reason,  or  with  none  at  all, 
A  vote  affirmed  that,  in  the  voter's  sight, 
A  certain  party  then  upheld  the  Right ; 
And  ever  since,  a  lying  pride  has  taught, 
That  with  confession  of  mistake  'twere  fraught 
A  doubt  to  cherish  of  that  party's  aims, 
Or  tolerate  a  hostile  party's  claims. 
The  understanding,  on  this  wise  befooled, 
With  patient  assiduity  is  schooled, 
In  every  act  of  statesmen  once  opposed, 
To  see  the  blackest  infamy  disclosed. 
While  thus  the  understanding  lies  in  wait, 
The  heart  contributes  an  infernal  hate, 
Which  conquers  interest,  and  self-respect, 
And  makes  all  faculties  their  force  direct 
Against  the  measures  of  the  men  who  strive 
To  keep  endangered  Liberty  alive. 

Thus  demagogues  are  furnished  with  a  field 
Abundant  harvests  promising  to  yield. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  113 

Perverting  noble  energies  of  mind, 

For  sendee  of  good-will  to  men  designed, 

With  scorning  hearts,  but  most  obsequious  face, 

They  fawn  upon  the  ignorant  and  base ; 

Vociferating  everywhere  the  lies 

Which  quickest  make  the  ruling  passion  rise ; 

Except  where  kindred  spirits  are  addressed, 

And  naked  bribery  is  found  the  best. 

Their  preference  is  always  for  the  wrong, 

Which  makes  the  millions  weak,  the  hundreds  strong ; 

But  charms  so  dear  has  office  in  their  sight, 

That  for  its  sake  they  can  support  the  Right. 

O,  "  fools,  and  blind  !"  Can  ye  no  better  see 
What  practices  with  interest  agree  ? 
Your  only  aim  is  benefit  of  self, 
But  you  prefer  authority  and  pelf; 
With  conscious  meanness  gnawing  at  your  heart, 
When  you  might  have  the  high-souled  patriot's  part, — 
Might  feel  the  lifting  of  a  Christ-like  love — 
Might  know  yourselves  all  sordidness  above, 
And  working  for  the  welfare  of  your  race, 
With  approbation  of  a  God  of  grace. 
O,  see  yourselves  !  and  hide  your  heads  for  shame ; 
Confess  that  "  Blockhead"  is  your  fittest  name. 

IX. 

'Tis  time  that  all  Americans  should  learn, 
Of  foolishness  the  features  to  discern  ; 
8 


114  LIBERTY'S   OKDEAL. 

And  know,  where  rottenness  of  heart  they  find, 

Its  presence  proves  a  worthlessness  of  mind. 

However  single  faculties  may  glare — 

What  e'er  attractions  single  traits  may  bear — 

The  intellect  is  feeble  that  will  choose, 

For  any  price,  integrity  to  lose. 

Though  tall  it  towers,  'tis  built  upon  the  sand, 

And,  when  the  flood  assails,  it  cannot  stand. 

Behold  the  mind  by  Wisdom's  presence  blest ! 
How  searchingly  its  steady  gazes  rest 
On  all  that  offers,  and  solicits  choice ! 
Unmoved  by  melting  look,  or  wooing  voice, 
Serenely  it  applies  the  test  of  Right, 
And  ever  catches,  with  far-reaching  sight, 
And  bids  depart  with  resolution  strong, 
The  wretchedness  disguised  by  smiling  Wrong. 
That  man  discloses  the  colossal  mind, 
Whom  no  assaults  of  selfishness  can  blind : 
A  cloud  of  base  ideals  he  sweeps  away, 
And,  radiant  with  light  of  "  Perfect  day," 
He  grasps  the  high  conception  of  a  soul, 
With  every  power  at  Honesty's  control. 

To  him,  when  hangs  in  doubt  a  nation's  fate, 
Let  Providence  assign  the  helm  of  state. 
The  questions  which  disturb  the  little  mind, 
A  swift,  irrevocable  answer  find. 
Whate'er  concerns  his  interest  alone 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  115 

Is  from  the  field  of  vision  sternly  thrown ; 

He  wastes  no  thought,  be  pressure  e'er  so  strong, 

On  what  'tis  plain  Jehovah  views  as  wrong ; 

No  urgency  of  need  in  question  draws 

The  claims  of  Constitution  or  of  laws ; 

The  oath  he  took,  'tis  settled  once  for  all, 

Will  not  be  broken  though  the  heavens  fall. 

Of  all  the  questions  that  distraction  yield, 

And  mists  illusory,  thus  cleared  the  field, 

The  forces  of  his  intellect  are  bent, 

With  singleness  of  longing,  and  intent, 

To  know  what  righteous  acts  will  most  redound 

His  country's  weal  immovably  to  ground. 

Rejection  falls  upon  the  partly  true ; 
For  duty  claims  a  comprehensive  view. 
No  cure  is  chosen  for  a  present  need, 
A  swarm  of  troubles  afterwards  to  breed. 
Nor  hast'ning  zeal,  nor  strong  desire  of  rest 
Makes  choice  prevent  revealing  of  the  Best. 
No  pride,  nor  prejudice  distorts  the  sight, 
But  all  is  seen  in  dry,  veracious  light. 
As  footing  indestructible  is  laid, 
The  irretraceable  advance  is  made. 
The  steps  are  measured  well  till  he  can  feel 
The  nation  clasping,  as  with  hands  of  steel, 
An  everlasting  rock  on  which  to  stand, 
And  firmly  holding  the  almighty  hand. 
Like  Samson  then  he  bows  with  all  his  might, 
And,  when  his  forehead  meets  descending  light, 


116  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Among  the  nations,  as  they  sink  and  rise, 
His  own  is  lifted  nearest  to  the  skies. 

To  these  proportions  may  expand  the  soul, 
Which  gives  to  Honesty  its  due  control. 
In  light  of  such  a  majesty  of  mind, 
What  despicable  pigmies  do  we  find 
All  great  ones  of  the  Macedonian  style, 
And  all  the  gods  of  vision-warped  Carlyle ! 

Indeed  America  is  dear  to  God. 
The  strokes  He  deals  are  with  a  Father's  rod. 
He  loves  America ;  already  twice 
This  greatness  has  become  her  safety's  price, 
And  He  has  paid  it — O,  it  must  be  true 
That  while  He  tries,  He  keeps  her  good  in  view, 
And  what  by  Honest  Washington  He  gave, 
By  Honest  Lincoln  He  designs  to  save. 


X. 


As  round  the  Leader,  at  the  nation's  birth, 
Were  gathered  many  of  his  like  in  worth, 
So  he,  who  now  must  act  the  highest  part, 
On  every  side  finds  unison  of  heart. 
While  accident,  and  overhasty  zeal 
Each  day,  for  strife,  a  new  pretext  reveal, 


LIBEETY'S  ORDEAL.  117 

A  proud,  republic-hating  world  to  face, 
And  make  it  plain  that  measureless  disgrace 
Would  mark  an  armed  espousal  of  their  cause, 
Who  trample  under  foot  all  sacred  laws, 
The  mind  of  Seward  with  its  gaze  profound 
Each  question  piercing  to  its  deepest  ground, 
And,  causes  held  in  philosophic  view, 
Forethinking  certainly  what  must  ensue, 
Obeys  a  heart  which  high  affections  fill, 
And  executes  the  mandates  of  a  will 
Which  forty  years  have  proved  no  power  can  draw 
From  rev'rent  keeping  of  the  "  Higher  Law." 

And  Chase  brings  up  his  massive  intellect, 
To  hold  the  nation's  credit  still  erect, 
That  patriots,  who  march  against  the  foe, 
The  comfort  of  beloved  ones  may  know ; 
And  Stanton  bears  his  war-advancing  part 
With  all  the  fervor  of  an  earnest  heart, 
And  fruitful  vigor  of  a  mind  that  knows 
The  conqu'ring  power  of  unremitting  blows ; 
While  Governors  their  lofty  stations  fill 
With  watchful  zeal,  and  loyalty  of  will, 
And  hundreds  follow  the  Republic's  call 
At  bureau,  or  in  legislative  hall, 
O,  would  that  each  who  holds  a  public  trust, 
Were  loyal,  brave,  intelligent,  and  just ; 
Americans  !     Let  these  be  your  demands, 
Of  all  who  ask  for  office  at  your  hands : 
Bid  them,  before  in  their  behalf  you  move, 


118  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Their  Honesty  beyond  all  question  prove ; 
And  claim  the  showing  of  a  strength  of  mind, 
Which  will  permit  no  party -chains  to  bind ; 
No  scheme  to  charm  because  'tis  old,  or  new ; 
No  love  nor  hate  to  overcloud  the  true. 
Who  plainly  thus  arc  strong  in  rectitude, 
And  with  a  quenchless  country-love  endued ; 
To  them  commit  the  weighty  cares  of  state, 
While  brilliant  scoundrels  you  abominate. 

The  justice  of  the  Government  secured, 
Of  God's  protection  is  the  land  assured. 
How  fully  proved  is  this !  With  what  amaze 
Each  thoughtful  mind  regards  His  wondrous  ways 
To  us-ward !     Slavery's  hell-begotten  frame, 
The  patriot's  horror,  and  the  nation's  shame, 
Was  fenced  with  laws  and  constitutions  round, 
And  rulers  hating  her  by  oaths  were  bound, 
Howe'er  their  sympathetic  hearts  might  bleed, 
To  let  her  foul  atrocities  proceed ; 
But  He,  whose  favors  on  the  just  descend, 
And  who  from  the  beginning  sees  the  end, 
Decreed  the  shielding  barrier's  overthrow, 
Exposed  the  monster  to  a  fatal  blow, 
And  caused  the  arm,  by  sacred  oath  withheld, 
By  might  of  that  same  oath  to  be  impelled. 
Then  fell  the  blows  upon  the  hideous  head; 
And  Slavery's  dying;  she  is  almost  dead. 
Let  Honesty  work  on,  and  we  shall  see 
America's  inhabitants  all  free ; 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  119 

Then  love  to  her  may  copiously  gush, 

Be  choked  by  no  remorse,  and  wake  no  blush. 

Is  there  a  soul,  which  feels  no  thrilling  strange 
At  every  thought  of  this  stupendous  change  ? 
Four  millions  of  immortal  ones  emerge 
From  Slavery's  darkness.     Standing  on  the  verge 
Of  Freedom's  luminous  domain,  their  eyes 
Are  dazzled  by  the  splendor  of  her  skies. 
The  narrow  paths  they  cannot  yet  discern  ; 
They  see  not  clearly  where  to  step,  or  turn. 
They  must  be  guided.     Sweet-voiced,  patient  love 
Shall  train  their  wavering  eyes  to  look  above ; 
And  beams  of  soft,  celestial,  healing  light 
Shall  nourish,  and  invigorate  their  sight  ; 
And  they  shall  see  that  paths,  which  may  be  trod, 
Converge,  and  centre  at  the  Throne  of  God. 

My  sable  brothers,  new-born  freemen,  hail ! 
'Tis  yours  to  prove  how  truthlessly  they  rail, 
Who  fix,  as  far  below  the  white  man's  race, 
In  being's  scale  your  God-appointed  place. 
The  work  is  well  begun — That  men  you  are, 
Port  Hudson,  Wagner,  Milliken  declare, 
The  Afric  blood,  in  rivulets  that  ran, 
For  all  your  brows  is  made  the  seal  of  man. 
Arise,  and  grasp  the  virtues  of  the  free ; 
Ascend  the  spirit-feeding  heights  you  see ; 
For  you,  as  for  us  all,  an  open  field 
The  harvest  earned  impartially  shall  yield. 

ST  J  J 


120  LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

For  preservation  of  that  field  we  fight — 
That  every  child  of  Adam  has  a  right, 
Below  the  right  of  none,  to  sow  and  reap, 
And,  unrestricted,  virtue's  fruits  to  heap, 
The  winners  of  our  independence  taught. 
For  that  high  principle  our  fathers  fought ; 
For  that  our  brothers  have  poured  out  their  blood ; 
For  that  we  offer  still  the  crimson  flood. 
The  orphan's  wail,  the  parent's  moan  resound; 
The  weeds  of  widowhood  rise  thick  around ; 
We  see  the  countless  tokens  of  distress ; 
But  still  we  falter  not ;  still  on  we  press ; 
For,  God  be  witness,  we  will  not  concede, 
That  birth  to  mastery  is  mankind's  need. 


XI. 

SAY'ST  thou,  poor  seeker  of  a  lordling's  smile, 
"  The  populace  are  ignorant  and  vile, 
And,  left  with  no  aristocratic  sway, 
To  savageness  would  quickly  fall  away  ?" 
'Tis  possible  the  land  which  gave  you  birth, 
Is  yet  too  poor  in  Freedom-fostered  worth, 
By  incubus  of  rank  too  long  oppressed, 
In  sudden  levelling  to  find  her  Best. 
If  so,  we  counsel  you  to  wait  awhile, 
Till  your  compatriots  become  less  vile ; 
But,  as  for  us,  we  fortunately  know, 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Americans  are  not  depressed  so  low, 

That  they  must  feel  the  whip,  and  spur,  and  rein, 

Or  headlong  rush  to  seize  on  greater  pain. 

Calamities  are  on  us  now,  'tis  true. 

From  hatred  of  equality  they  grew ; 

And  soon  shall  perish  that  exotic  bane, 

And  blood  of  equal  freedom,  through  each  vein, 

America  shall  throw  from  her  strong  heart, — 

A  free  Republic  in  her  every  part, 

Presenting,  far  and  near,  the  forms  of  good, 

Which  now  arise  where  she  is  not  withstood. 

But  you  reply  :  "  Though  it  be  fully  shown, 
A  Government  may  stand  without  a  throne, 
Or  difference  of  rank,  and  exercise 
An  undisputed  sway  both  mild  and  wise, 
I  still  maintain  a  monarchy's  the  best ; 
By  that  alone  can  glory  be  possessed." 
We  freely  grant  in  some  things  you  excel : 
Upholstering  you  do  extremely  well ; 
And  coronets  you  have,  and  jewels  rare, 
And  coats-of-arms  devised  with  patient  care. 
In  ceremonies  you  are  deeply  versed ; 
You  know  what  station  in  the  circle's  first, 
And  when  to  back,  advance,  or  smile,  or  bow, 
And  when  to  speak,  and  when  to  go,  and  how. 
I  mean,  to  some  of  you  these  things  are  known, 
While  most  a  slightly  different  culture  own  : 
The  men,  whose  lives  present  no  princely  charms, 
Can  crouch,  and  hold  their  hats  beneath  their  arms. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL. 

Or,  is  the  glory,  so  extremely  prized, 
That  which  is  gained  by  forces  centralized, 
Then  poured  upon  another  people's  head, 
That  national  dominion  may  be  spread  ? 
We  covet  no  such  glory ;  for  we  hold 
The  man,  who  takes  his  neighbor's  life  for  gold, 
Is  but  an  infant  in  the  course  of  guilt, 
Compared  with  him,  at  whose  command  is  spilt 
The  blood  of  thousands  for  no  higher  end, 
Than  empire  of  a  nation  to  extend. 

Is  glory  in  commercial  greatness  sought? 
With  glory  is  a  people's  richness  fraught  ? 
In  all  its  fulness  we  declare  it  won 
By  deeds  which  free  Americans  have  done ; 
And,  if  it  vitally  concern  that  end, 
To  ward  attacks,  and  threatened  rights  defend, 
Undoubtingly  for  this  the  men  we  trust, 
To  each  of  whom  an  enterprise  unjust, 
Against  his  country's  Government,  is  known, 
As  menacing  the  basis  of  his  throne. 

But  these  are  trifling  things.    The  arm  Divine 
Upholds  the  world  with  loftier  design  : 
Around  the  blazing  orb  this  planet  rolls, 
To  gather  genial  warmth  for  growing  souls. 
All  earthly  ends  beside  were  wisely  missed 
That  noble  men  and  women  might  exist; 
Nor  ought  a  government,  in  any  land, 
Ignoring  this  design,  one  day  to  stand. 


LIBERTY'S  ORDEAL.  123 

And  here  we  base  our  Constitution's  claim ; 

'Tis  this  that  makes  us  love  Republic's  name. 

"With  joy,  and  thankfulness,  we  recognize 

The  high  deservings  of  the  good  and  wise, 

Whose  massive  intellects,  and  moral  worth, 

Have  glorified  the  monarchies  of  earth. 

Creative  power  is  able  to  impart 

A  rare  nobility  of  mind  and  heart, 

Whose  God-ward  impulse  all  the  chains  will  burst 

Which  can  be  wrought,  though  sin  perform  its  worst. 

But  this  prerogative  is  seldom  used ; 

And  minds  by  governmental  power  abused, 

As  consequence,  will  in  the  main  reveal 

Deformities  no  human  art  can  heal. 

Now  tell  me,  when  all  institutions  say, 

"  The  many  are  created  to  obey, 

And  hopelessly  to  labor,  that  the  few 

In  idleness  may  count  all  joys  their  due ; 

And  birth  should  designate  each  person's  class, 

And  build  a  barrier  which  none  may  pass," 

Is  there  not  danger,  both  to  low  and  high, 

In  plastic  operation  of  that  lie? 

Behold  his  lordship  through  the  gaping  throng, 
As  through  a  herd  of  cattle,  stalk  along : 
Conceit  of  ranking  with  a  higher  race 
Controls  each  step,  and  reigns  upon  his  face. 
Can  right  affection  in  the  hearts  abide, 
Where  forms  of  government  beget  such  pride  ? 
Whatever  in  that  attitude  can  place 


LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

A  man  before  the  millions  of  his  race, 

Does  it  not  tend,  with  most  appalling  weight, 

To  crush  from  human  souls  each  noble  trait  ? 

And  what's  the  influence  the  lowest  feel  ? 
Is  it  conducive  to  the  spirit's  weal 
To  think  one's  self,  by  providential  plan, 
Assigned  a  rank  below  the  real  man  ? — 
In  duty  bound  to  quench  celestial  fire 
And  banish  every  thought  of  going  higher  ? 
Or,  if  the  harrowing  suspicion  lurk 
That  all  this  classing  is  a  human  work, 
Are  not  the  stimulants  of  envy  strong  ? 
Does  bitterness  not  spring  from  sense  of  wrong  ? 

But  argument  is  needless.     We  all  know 
From  cherished  falsehood  only  ill  can  flow. 
To  keep  that  spirit-blighting  force  away, 
We  fight,  we  suffer,  we  devoutly  pray. 
No  power  shall  turn  us  from  that  lofty  aim ; 
We  will,  through  all  our  governmental  frame, 
To  this  eternal  truth  its  right  accord : 
THERE'S  NO  RESPECT  OF  PERSONS  WITH  THE  LORD. 


LIBERTY  S    ORDEAL.  125 


XII. 

POOR  HARRY  BROUGHAM,  wrecked  by  rushing  years, 
Or  spoiled  by  numbering  with  British  peers, 
Asserts  'tis  due  to  vanity  alone 
That  this  Republic  is  not  overthrown. 
If  it  be  vanity,  while  Slavery  stands, 
With  lifted  blade,  to  cleave  the  Union's  bands, 
And  bids  us  own  our  fathers  greatly  erred 
When  equal  freedom  in  their  bosoms  stirred, 
And  grant  their  project  shamefully  has  failed, 
And  Monarchy's  pretensions  have  prevailed, 
And  yield  consent,  upon  the  soil  they  gave, 
And  where  they  bade  the  starry  banner  wave, 
To  rule  of  potentates,  who  boldly  say, 
Upon  the  weak  the  strong  may  rightly  prey, — 
If  it  be  vanity,  at  such  a  time,  to  rise, 
And  vow  before  the  Sovereign  of  the  skies, 
We'll  give  our  blood,  and  suffer  all  the  woe 
A  human  being  righteously  may  know, 
Ere  Slavery  that  supremacy  shall  gain, 
Then  we're  convicted  as  extremely  vain. 

O,  righteous  Heaven  !  Dwells  in  lying  laws 
Depraving  force  which  can  such  blindness  cause  ? 


126  LIBERTY'S  OKDEAL. 

Are  men  as  impotent  as  they  pretend 

To  form  conception  of  our  struggle's  end? 

Can  they  be  sightless  to  the  glory-blaze 

Around  the  picture  that  enchains  our  gaze  ? 

Beyond  the  billows  of  this  raging  flood, 

Beyond  the  battle-smoke,  and  pouring  blood, 

A  continent  reflects  the  mellow  light 

Which  Peace  bestows  to  glad  the  spirit-sight. 

A  people  there,  for  number  as  the  sand, 

In  dignity  of  conscious  manhood  stand. 

To  boons  deserved  each  knows  his  rightful  claim, 

And  each  to  every  one  accords  the  same. 

As  years  roll  on,  'tis  better  understood, 

That  worth  of  soul  is  the  substantial  good. 

The  artisan,  and  tiller  of  the  soil, 

Combine  profound  research  with  daily  toil ; 

And  every  calling  weightily  is  fraught 

With  potent  stimulants  to  patient  thought. 

Throughout  the  land  the  minds  are  multiplied 

Which  love  the  wisdom  of  the  Crucified, 

And  widen  their  capacities  to  take 

The  richness  of  the  words  which  Jesus  spake. 

And  thus  benignly  on  the  Gospel  goes : 

Though  Satan  still,  and  selfish  hearts  oppose, 

The  fruits  of  truth  and  righteousness  increase, 

And  millions  rise  from  earthly  paths  of  peace, 

Well  disciplined,  along  celestial  ways, 

By  deeds  of  love  to  swell  the  Father's  praise. 

If,  while  our  hearts  declare  these  things  must  be, 
Though  joy  from  all  this  generation  flee, 


LIBERTY'S   OKDEAL.  127 

The  habitants  of  Earth  mistake  our  aim, 

And  count  our  glory  an  eternal  shame, 

We  know,  the  witnesses  who  sit  above 

Are  viewing  us  with  approbative  love. 

I  see  them  floating  on  a  rosy  cloud, 

To  greet  a  rising  band,  their  faces  bowed ; 

The  joyous  movements  of  the  comers  tell 

That  where  their  upward  flight  began  'tis  well. 

Now  bubbles  forth,  from  smiling  lips,  a  tale, 

Which  proves  America's  true  sons  prevail ; 

And,  when  the  pleasing  narrative  is  done, 

All  gazes  centre  on  the  face  of  one ; 

With  love-enkindled  eyes,  and  glowing  cheeks, 

Serene,  the  Father  of  his  country  speaks : 

"  The  blessedness  ineffable  is  ours, 
To  see  the  baffling  of  Satanic  powers. 
The  prayers  of  patriots  have  reached  the  Throne. 
Once  more  the  saving  potency  is  shown 
Of  Christian  truth,  whose  inspiration  strong 
Empowered  so  many  of  this  ransomed  throng, 
To  dare,  endure,  and  all  to  sacrifice, 
That  Liberty's  impartial  sun  might  rise, 
And  which  so  many  of  these  lately  slain, 
In  self-surrendering,  have  made  their  gain. 
We  may  believe  America  accords 
So  much  of  reverence  to  the  Lord  of  lords, 
That  he  will,  hence,  commission  her  to  teach 
The  deathless  rights  of  one  are  rights  of  each. 
Our  Father  grants  the  hope  that  we  shall  see 
Her  multiplying  millions  truly  free ; 


128  LIBERTY'S   ORDEAL. 

That  bonds  of  ignorance  will  fall  away, 

And  cruel  chains  of  wickedness  decay  ; 

His  kingdom  come,  His  righteous  will  be  done, 

And  glorified  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

O,  God  is  good !  unspeakable  His  grace 

To  Earth's  infatuate,  rebellious  race  !" 

Advancing  waves  of  glory  meet  my  sight, 
The  scene  is  flooded  with  a  golden  light ; 
Supernal  melody  the  welkin  fills. 
The  cloud  of  blest  ones  quiver  with  its  thrills. 
They  rise  ;  they  sink ;  they're  borne  upon  the  tide; 
On  billows  of  entrancing  sound  they  ride  ; 
The  blended  voices  of  the  countless  throng 
Ecstatically  pour  in  blissful  song. 

The  vision  melts  away !  The  anthem  dies. 
On  earth  we  stand ;  not  yet  surmount  the  skies. 
But  this  I  know  :  there  is  a  spirit-life 
Beyond  the  scenes  of  sin-begotten  strife ; 
I  know,  that  fleshly  clogs  will  lose  their  force, 
And  God-like  stirrings  have  unhindered  course ; 
I  know,  if  schooling  for  that  life  be  gained, 
In  work  for  God  the  spirit  must  be  trained  ; 
I  know,  because  He  loves  the  human  race, 
And  views  iniquity  with  frowning  face, 
And  smiles  on  them  that  struggle  for  the  Right, 
My  country's  cause  is  precious  in  His  sight. 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last 
date  stamped  below 


lOm-ll, '50(2555)470 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A    001  372  281 


PS 
1099 


